Sunday marks the fourth day of Quebec’s election campaign, with a focus on affordability in most promises, except for the Parti Québécois (PQ) emphasizing the protection of the French language.
The PQ aims to expand the Charter of the French Language, known as Bill 101, to include CEGEPs and the children of temporary immigrants residing in Quebec for over a year.
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) led by Christine Fréchette is committed to achieving a balanced budget by 2030 despite facing a $6 billion deficit. The party’s election pledges are projected to cost nearly $10 billion over the next five years. Notable promises include $1 billion for home care services, housing support for seniors, and $304 million in regional assistance. The CAQ plans to uphold investments in public infrastructure and address challenges posed by the 50% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, postponing tax cuts until a balanced budget is realized.
Québec Solidaire (QS) unveiled a housing plan, criticizing the CAQ’s response to the housing crisis. QS’s plan features measures such as establishing a rental unit registry, curbing evictions, combatting illegal Airbnb units, and advocating for neighborhood densification. Additionally, QS proposes a national strategy to combat homelessness, with detailed financing plans to be disclosed soon.
Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard promised enhanced housing protections for seniors, including capping rent increases at private seniors’ residences. The new policy aims to streamline the process for challenging rent hikes, ensuring housing tribunals intervene as needed without burdening senior residents.
The Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) introduced a tax-cutting initiative to eliminate the Quebec sales tax (QST) on used goods, projecting an average saving of $867 for Quebecers. PCQ’s broader plan involves slashing $47 billion in government spending over five years without affecting public services, culminating in substantial savings for Quebec households.
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated his stance on protecting the French language, proposing to extend Bill 101 to CEGEPs and children of long-term temporary immigrants. Plamondon also advocates for stricter French language requirements in work permits and initiatives to reinforce the use of French in Quebec.
The ongoing election campaign in Quebec underscores key themes of affordability, housing, fiscal responsibility, and language protection as parties unveil their platforms and promises to voters.
