In Quebec City, the Liberal caucus wrapped up a two-day meeting preparing for the upcoming session of the National Assembly.
Despite opposition calls for more economic stimulus, the Liberals said they have already put measures in place and now it’s just a matter of time.
Premier Philippe Couillard also explained he is close to the big goal of returning to budgetary balance this coming session.
To do that, he will need to cut another $1 billion. Couillard said he's looking everywhere to trim, but he pledged taxpayers won't have to pay more.
“We are looking everywhere for savings,” said Couillard,”not only savings, but opportunities to do better.”
Last week, Couillard was attacked by the PQ for being marked by Saudi values, a reference to the time he spent working in Saudi Arabia 20 years ago. He said the experience gave him insight.
“It allowed me to feel what it means to be the foreigner,” said Couillard,”to feel what it means not to have the same colour of skin as the majority.”
He added that the Liberals will introduce legislation on secularism this year.
On immigration issues, they will soon hold hearings on major reforms. Quebec wants to give employers more of a say.
In the PQ leadership race, Bernard Drainville now has the most support in the caucus with five MNAs supporting him against three for Pierre-Karl Peladeau.
Drainville laid out proposals on Tuesday to cut poverty including halting the penalty faced by couples on welfare.
He also said the PQ will need to stay left of centre: a shot at Peladeau, whom some say would steer the party to the right.
“The new social democracy of the 21st century,” said Drainville,” is an equilibrium between economic development, social justice, and protection for the environment.”
