The CAQ is holding a two-day meeting in Bromont to set priorities for the party heading into the next session of the National Assembly.
Party leader Francois Legault made it clear he wanted talk about the economy.
"It's time we talk about the economy and I will talk about the economy and I will try not to have any sideshows on my side," said Legault.
But the sideshow broiled up no matter what -- except it was all about Parti Quebecois leader Pierre Karl Peladeau.
Reports say Peladeau turned tacitly approved Quebecor setting up accounts in tax havens, reports that Peladeau denies.
Legault was questioned about his practice's while running Air Transat.
At first, Legault said he never placed funds in tax havens, but later admitted the company set up an affiliate in Barbados as a way of managing deductible expenses from France.
As for Peladeau and his tax strategies, Legault was cautious, saying it's up to the PQ leader to answers those questions.
"It's normal that we talk about it, but can we also talk about the the economy?" he asked reporters.
Legault is proposing the creation of a manufacturing fund, with a $5 billion investment over five years.
He said it would be a good way to spur Quebec's economy as the country heads into a recession.
"This morning Desjardins reduced its forecast to 1.3 percent for the growth for this year. It's about half of what is forecast for Ontario for the United States and on top of that we may have a world-wide recession coming," said Legault.
His proposal is to have Investissement Quebec managed the fund, and have companies pay back loans with a 15 percent interest rate.
He says that would help Quebec companies improve their productivity, create jobs and increase exports while the Canadian dollar is low.
