What do Philippe Couillard and Marc Bergevin have in common? They both started so well but things really have gone south.

Now the Habs can say that injuries sidelined their season, and the Liberals well, they are in sick bay too, and big time.

They have been scoring too many goals on their own net, and they may have a very difficult time recovering from the latest bombshell.

When two former powerful Liberal ministers are arrested on fraud charges, it taints the party, past and present.

The UPAC charges are serious and go beyond Nathalie Normandeau getting nine tickets to a Celine Dion concert and 40 roses from contractor Lino Zampito.

UPAC contends public contracts were given in exchange for significant donations.

If found guilty, Madame Normandeau could face 14 years in prison.

Now the Premier, quite correctly, points out that rules and laws have changed since the alleged crimes. He says the Liberals are a changed bunch.

“Not the Liberal party I chair today, we’ve completely changed the way we do things,” said Couillard on Thursday.

The problem is that, like in the federal sponsorship scandal, it’s hard for the average voter to distinguish the finer points of these issues. Same old wine in a brand new bottle.

The Liberals will indeed pay a price for the sins of the past and there may be more to come.

The good news that that, like Quebec’s former Lieutenant Governor who is now in jail for fraud, what happened this week shows no one is above the law.

At least the Habs can regroup, get healthy and hopefully reset in time for next reason.

The future for the Liberals is less certain.

Given the choice, I would rather be in Marc Bergevin’s shoes, even without Carey Price.

Balanced Budget

Now the Liberals did present what seems to be a reasonable budget, all things considered, but it’s a bit of a stretch to think we are going from austerity to prosperity.

That ridiculous health tax will finally be abolished.

It was always an insult that we paid twice for health care that frankly can be hit and miss in this province.

Parents will more than one child in daycare will get a break.

There will be more money for education. Let’s hope that some of goes to rethinking the new nationalist high school history curriculum which ignores just about everyone who isn’t French and white.

The unemployment rate in Montreal is now 11 percent.

We are overtaxed and over-regulated.

According to the Montreal Economic Institute, Montreal is the champion when it comes to taxing investment.

Personal taxes? You know all about that. The highest in North America. That is what this budget should have addressed.

Pauline Marois, union spokesperson

Just when you thought the coast was clear, she’s back, and in a very bizarre way.

Pauline Marois, whose term in office was mercifully only months-long, has resurfaced as a spokesperson for the CSN.

Well you always knew the Parti Quebecois and the big unions were in bed together.

It's ironic, because La Marois with her millions doesn't really have much in common with average working folk.

It just smacks of a strange type of opportunism and you have to wonder what is next.

But let's face it... could we expect anything different?