PQ is to blame for Quebec job losses: Philippe Couillard

QUEBEC CITY – Liberal leader Philippe Couillard called Quebec’s rising unemployment rate “the sad continuity” of the PQ’s inaction on the economic front.

“The PQ is not taking care of the economy and jobs. It’s going on false side issues like the charter and referendums,” Couillard said on Day three of the election campaign.

According to Statistics Canada’s labour force survey, Quebec lost 26,000 jobs in February, boosting the province’s unemployment rate 0.3 percentage points to 7.8 per cent. Pauline Marois told reporters she prefers to look at the 2013 numbers which show a clearer trend.

“We created over the last years more than 40,000 jobs, 48,000 jobs,” she said.

Still, Couillard thinks Quebec’s economy is in serious need of a lift. He said the St. Lawrence River offers a unique opportunity to give the province access to the entire world.

“Free trade is going to bring us lots of activity here because Eastern Quebec is the most direct less expensive way to carry stuff from Europe to the heart of America,” Couillard said.

The Liberals promised the creation of 30,000 jobs along the coast and in the so-called “blue economy.”

“I think people everywhere in Quebec will benefit,” said Couillard. “Having a job is very good for your health, having a job is very good for your self-esteem, having a job is excellent for the whole Quebec.”

Employment has been a recurring theme in this campaign, with the CAQ also promising a “St. Lawrence Project.” Industry representatives said it’s high time Quebec exploits its maritime potential.

“The government has to help a little bit the maritime field to grow and to expand the activities,” said Philippe Filion from Ocean Group Inc. “Here in Canada, in Quebec, we have a lot of difficulties because we don’t have a lot of construction.”

Couillard’s maritime strategy requires negotiation and partnerships with the federal government. Couillard predicted on Friday Ottawa is likely to cooperate with a Liberal government that is serious about job creation.