Opposition parties are accusing Quebec’s finance minister of being “irresponsible” with the province’s finances after the government recently announced a budget surplus.
The fallout from Tuesday’s economic update spilled over into the National Assembly Wednesday.
READ MORE: Quebec says it’s on track for $2.2-billion surplus in current fiscal year
The Parti Québécois (PQ) argued the Liberals deliberately cut too much from important departments, like health and education.
The official opposition insisted it was a political move in order for the government to make itself look good in the years leading up to the next election.
READ MORE: Quebec politicians disappointed with federal budget
In recent weeks, there have also been reports of poor nutrition in long-term care homes because there isn’t a big enough budget for meals in those facilities.
The PQ said the government should never have gone so far in its austerity measures if they were forecasting a surplus.
READ MORE: Quebec Finance Minister forgoes new shoes ahead of provincial budget
“By compressing the services, by forcing handicapped people sleeping in their wheelchair, because they don’t have the amount of hours of support, this is a shameful surplus,” said Jean-François Lisée, PQ leader.
The government denied the allegation.
READ MORE: Quebec’s $2 billion surplus in 2016-17 will go to Generations Fund
“Coming from the PQ, that’s rather amusing … oops, we made a mistake, we can’t count,” shot back Quebec Finance Minister Carlos Leitao.
READ MORE: 5 things you need to know about Quebec’s 2016-17 budget
The finance minister said he’s already preparing his next budget, due in March 2017, and there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.
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