The new flexibility in government coffers will be used to better fund public services, reduce debt and reduce Quebecers’ tax burden, Premier Philippe Couillard said on the eve of the next provincial budget.

One thing is clear: As promised, the Liberals will present a balanced budget after six years of deficits.

With that balanced budget, some flexibility will allow the government to soften its strict fiscal austerity, after two years of significant cuts to provincial programs and increased taxes and fees.

Couillard has always said that half of any surplus would be used to pay down the debt; the other half will be used for tax cuts.

"We have been able to reach balance and that gives us a great deal more autonomy and a great deal more possibility regarding the future, which is a little uncertain, the future we face," said Finance Minister Carlos Leitao.

On Wednesday afternoon, Leitao took part in the traditional photo op at his office. Instead of showing off a new pair of shoes on budget day, as is custom, he shined up an old pair.
 

Leitao broke with the tradition last year and held on to the same pair of shoes from the previous budget, which was a nod to the Liberals’ austerity agenda – or as they call it, "rigour in managing public finances."

Some elements of the budget appear to have been leaked to the media earlier this week -- a significant reinvestment in education is expected to be announced Thursday.

Leitao may also make an announcement about abolishing the health tax by 2018 -- a year earlier than first planned. 2018 is, of course, an election year.

The federal government will deliver its budget on March 22, and it has already announced that it is likely to deliver a multibillion-dollar deficit.

With files from La Presse Canadienne