Press release
QFL Responds to the Federal Economic Update

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) notes the federal government’s commitment, as outlined in the economic update presented by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne, to revitalize the Canadian economy. However, much remains to be done to reassure workers who are losing their jobs.

The QFL welcomes the investments announced for skilled trades training programs. Since this falls under provincial jurisdiction, the QFL is calling on Ottawa to begin discussions with Quebec as soon as possible to ensure these funds become available quickly.

“Our disagreements with the U.S. administration should give us the courage to distinguish ourselves as a society, not only economically, but also socially. Therefore, Ottawa must take advantage of this opportunity to reform employment insurance and put in place a public and universal pharmacare, accompanied by a right of withdrawal with full compensation for Quebec, conditional on it putting in place an equivalent or superior plan. The federal government must also invest in social and community housing and support public transit,” said QFL Secretary General Olivier Carrière.

“Finally, sooner or later, and better sooner than later, the energy crisis and the economy of the future will require us to commit to an energy transition based on new production methods that will ensure the country’s competitiveness and prosperity while creating sustainable, quality jobs. As for the Sovereign Fund, we will take the time to examine it carefully before commenting in greater detail,” concluded the Secretary General.

Translated into English by SEU800 from the original French-language press release.