A young, middle-class couple in Pointe Claire was among the people who had their eyes on the budget speech Tuesday afternoon.
Bob Hanna and his wife, Christina Aon, have mixed feelings about the Quebec government's fiscal strategy.
"The initial reaction of course is that the fees are quite considerable, when you look at the tax increases and the health fee increase," said CTV Montreal reporter Aphrodite Salas, reporting live from the couple's home.
Hanna and Aon have a 13-month old son, and "they don't want to leave his generation a province in shambles."
For that reason, they support the measures introduced to tackle the province's deficit.
"I think it's important that we balance the budget. That I understand," said Hanna.
"But I think we're going through some tough times here in Canada, and Quebec especially, and I think it's unfortunate that we've had to raise taxes and service costs as much as we've had to at this time. It would have been nice to delay that a bit."
Aon believes the budget will put many Quebec families in a financial straits.
"Something like the sales tax, you could buy a little less if it affects you, but something like heating or healthcare, you're obliged to pay, and it's going to be difficult for a lot of people," she said.
Hanna and Aon said they are planning to scrutinize their spending habits, and will attempt to cut back on electricity usage and gas consumption.
