The PLQ leaves a hole of 800 million the PQ

Liberals are the new Parti Québécois Government the task of exceeding 800 million in spending for the current year. This is revealed, yesterday, the Minister of finance, Raymond Bachand, in a press briefing, his last lap before the media as this Ministry, he said.

Observed by such overruns in expenditure during the year is common, supported Raymond Bachand. “This is not different from other years.” Years ago, it is 600 million, 500 million. “Last year, it was in this order; This year, 800 million to cut expenditure of various ministries, he said.

The president or the President of the Treasury Board must have “a will of iron”, argued the Minister. “It takes someone who is able to say no.” […] This is the only way to control the increase in spending by the Government of Quebec. “In this sense, Raymond Bachand wanted to pay tribute to Michelle Courchesne, who assumed the Presidency of the Council of the Treasury over the past two years.

For the year 2012-2013, the budget Bachand planned to contain the increase in spending for programs at 2% and 1.5 billion deficit, which includes an allowance for contingencies of 300 million.

Raymond Bachand judge that public finances in Quebec are mastered. He also asked the Parti Québécois to stay the course on the balanced budget. “I wish the best luck in the world in Nicolas Marceau if it is him [the next Minister of finance] – I assume this will be him – and I offered him my collaboration.”. “And it was a relationship of courtesy, both, which stands on the relationship which exists in the National Assembly,” he said. “I hope to continue to discuss with him, without any it staff.” And, with Nicolas Marceau, this is possible. »

According to preliminary data that the Ministry of Finance has published in early July, the deficit of the State for 2011-2012 will be a little less than 3 billion, against a forecast of 3.3 billion. Everything indicates that the provision for contingencies of 300 million will be not started. Program spending grew that 2.3%, said Raymond Bachand, while the budget included an increase of 2%.

The leadership race: always in thinking

Raymond Bachand has still not decided whether or not it is launched in the leadership of the liberal party of Quebec. Possible appearance of Philippe Couillard is not a factor in his decision; the important support on whom he can rely, he said. “I have an interest, he confirmed. But, as I say, must be that this interest there are shared by many colleagues. This is what I am evaluating. »

Raymond Bachand, the next leader of the PLQ to be “a gatherer” can reduce the divisions between citizens. “Must be that there is more harmony in Quebec.” Need to bring people together. It was too divided in the past years. “He was quite agree with Lucien Bouchard, which abounds in this sense. “It may disagree with each other without insult personally.” We had too much of this in recent years and the citizens have the right to have a public debate of quality to make their choice. »

In addition, we now know Lise Thériault will not run because it will act as the Deputy house leader of the official opposition in the team by acting liberal leader, Jean-Marc Fournier.

She thought to be a candidate and she measured his support from his colleagues. “I watched as many field”, she said. Minister of labour in the last Government Charest, Lise Thériault is distinguished by its firmness to certain trade unions, including the FTQ.

In his eyes, the participation of women in the leadership of the liberal party is not essential. “What it takes, it’s the best candidates.” This is not a question of men or women. »

Thursday, Jean-Marc Fournier unveiled his team: Robert Dutil became the parliamentary leader of the official opposition, assisted by Lise Thériault. Laurent Lessard displaces Lucie Charlebois as the party whip, while the latter is Assistant whip. Finally, Geoffrey Kelly chaired the caucus of members of Parliament.

If Jean-Marc Fournier, as Acting Chief, must retain absolute neutrality in the leadership, the members of his court will be able to give their support to one or other of the candidates, he said.