QUEBEC – Parties at the National Assembly are speaking with one voice against yesterday’s federal budget. The Flaherty budget takes millions out of Quebec’s skills-training program and cuts tax credits for investments. PQ ministers say the feds are treading on provincial jurisdiction; they call the budget a ‘frontal attack’ on Quebec.
“We said before the budget that we oppose any change to employment and training because we have a really good program here in Quebec. They decided to go forward and now they have opposition,” says Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Alexandre Cloutier.
Yesterday, Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced he’s taking 70 million dollars out of Quebec’s skills training program and re-directing the funds towards Jobs Canada. Flaherty also announced he’s phasing out Ottawa’s 15 per cent tax credit for investments in union investment funds. The FTQ and CSN funds in Quebec help small businesses.
“The cost for the feds of that measure on labour funds is 120 million dollars per year. Is it worth for Mr. Harper to do this big fight for 120 million dollars a year,” asks Christian Dubé from the Coalition Avenir Quebec.
The Liberals argue the PQ is reaping what it sowed. A sovereignist Premier burning her bridges with Ottawa only penalizes Quebecers.
“This government, they make a show, they cut all communication bridges with the federal government and the Finance Minister said yesterday he lost the balance of power with the federal government,” says Treasury Board Critic Sam Hamad.
Yet, the opposition is ready to rally behind the PQ to speak with one voice. “Of course we’re going to join everybody to defend the interest of Quebecers,” says Hamad.
“We just heard the opposition saying they share our preoccupations, we will work unanimously here at the National Assembly,” adds Cloutier.
As the National Assembly prepares to launch hostilities with Ottawa, Federal Transport Minister, Denis Lebel wants to remind Quebecers they’re getting 1.1 billion dollars through the Economic Development Agency for the Regions. Lebel says Quebec should really put aside old quarrels but if MNAs’ reaction is any indication, the anger around this latest budget isn’t likely to dissipate anytime soon.
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