Day four of Quebec’s election campaign focuses on affordability, with the exception of the Parti Québécois (PQ) emphasizing the protection of the French language.
The PQ aims to expand the Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101, to CEGEPs and the children of temporary immigrants residing in Quebec for over a year.
Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Leader Christine Fréchette reaffirms the party’s commitment to achieving a balanced budget by 2030, despite facing a $6 billion deficit. The CAQ’s election pledges are projected to cost nearly $10 billion over the next five years.
Fréchette has disclosed some promises, including allocating $1 billion for home care services, implementing housing measures for seniors, and providing $304 million in regional support. The CAQ plans to sustain investments in public infrastructure and address challenges posed by the new 50% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Québec Solidaire (QS) criticizes the CAQ for its handling of the housing crisis while unveiling its own housing plan. QS proposes measures such as establishing a national registry of rental units, curbing evictions, and implementing strategies to end homelessness.
Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard vows to cap rent increases at private seniors’ residences and shift the burden of proof onto the residence when proposing rent hikes above the cap. The PLQ aims to protect seniors without compromising essential services, addressing the 18% increase in rent costs over the past four years.
The Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) announces plans to eliminate the Quebec sales tax on used goods, like thrifted clothing, to provide financial relief to Quebecers. PCQ also commits to reducing government spending by $47 billion over five years without affecting public services, saving an average household around $11,000.
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon persists in extending Bill 101 to CEGEPs and the children of temporary immigrants, citing a “linguistic emergency” in Quebec. The PQ also proposes elevating French language requirements for work permits and investigating the language of socialization in Montreal and Laval schools. Plamondon emphasizes the importance of strengthening French language usage in line with the party’s sovereignist agenda.