A new era of government austerity is set to begin as Premier Philippe Couillard is expected to shine light on promised government cuts in his throne speech to kick off the 41st parliamentary session of the National Assembly in Quebec City Wednesday.
Opposition Parti Quebecois, Coalition Avenir Quebec and Quebec Solidaire MNAs will get their first cracks at the new government when the first question period takes place Thursday.
The Leader of the Opposition will be interim PQ leader Stephane Bedard, who has said that he hopes for “constructive” debates with the government in a respectful atmosphere, unlike the sometimes spiteful spirit that reigned during the last session.
The Couillard government is expected to rapidly pass two laws, the end-of-life bill which was initially stalled in February as well as legislation allowing for the creation of an inspector general for the city of Montreal.
Finance Minister Carlos Leitao is expected to table a budget in early June.
Westmount Liberal MNA Jacques Chagnon will likely serve as speaker following an election by MNAs.
-With a file from The Canadian Press
