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Quebec National Assembly back in session: Liberals hope for fresh start, PQ in-fighting continues

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Quebec National Assembly back in session
WATCH ABOVE: The National Assembly is back in session in Quebec City. As Global's Raquel Fletcher reports, the Liberals are trying to put Rona and Uber behind them to focus on new legislation while Parti Québécois leadership candidates continue to battle – Sep 20, 2016

MNAs are back at the National Assembly in Quebec City for the start of the fall session – and officials already have their work cut out for them.

“We are on the right path and trust has been restored,” Premier Philippe Couillard told his caucus Tuesday.

This session, he said he wants to talk about recent investments in education, health care and what he calls “economic prosperity.”

READ MORE: Quebec health minister unveils plan to improve seniors care

The Liberals said they are trying to put Rona and Uber behind them to focus on new legislation.

“When you look at the budget, there’s a record in 45 years as the surplus that we have,” said Jean-Marc Fournier, Liberal house leader.

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Opposition parties continue to argue the government has yet to regain the public’s trust.

READ MORE: Liberals vote against asking former Quebec transport minister Jacques Daoust to testify in Rona hearing

They were quick to point out examples like the Rona sale and the fact that the government is redrafting its school board reform bill.

“It’s unacceptable. After two and a half years, you still ask yourself and the population what to do, so it shows an important lack of leadership,” said Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) leader François Legault.

READ MORE: PQ leadership race takes unexpected turn

While the fall session gets underway, Parti Québécois (PQ) leadership candidates continue to battle each other.

The party’s interim leader Sylvain Gaudreault spoke out to say he thinks the government is inept.

Yet, Gaudreault’s leadership has also been called into question.

READ MORE: Government accused of hiding controversial budget cuts to Quebec Public Curator

PQ leadership candidate Martine Ouellet accused the interim leader of interfering with the race for the party’s top job.

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His latest affront, she said, is excluding her from a promotional video.

“These kinds of moves do not give a good image of the Parti Québécois and are not really appreciated by the members,” Ouellet said.

Gaudreault denied Ouellet’s accusations and said she chose on her own not to participate in the ad.

“That’s not true,” Ouellet shot back.

Internal fighting at the PQ could be an opportunity for the second opposition party.

READ MORE: Quebec electoral map reform a cause of worry for D’Arcy-McGee MNA

Legault said it doesn’t matter who becomes PQ leader, because Quebecers have already said they don’t want a referendum.

He said he sees 2018 as a race between himself and Couillard.

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