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Couillard’s Liberals promise guaranteed minimum income for some Quebecers

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard speaks at a news conference, Sunday, December 10, 2017 at a physical rehab centre in Quebec City. Couillard announced a government plan to fight on poverty. Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press

Premier Philippe Couillard is promising to create a guaranteed minimum income for certain Quebecers as part of a $3 billion anti-poverty plan.

Couillard and Employment Minister François Blais presented the government’s five-year anti-poverty strategy in Quebec City on Sunday.

READ MORE: Quebec promises to create more jobs

The plan would boost the annual income of those who are unable to work by more than $5,000 to about $18,029 a year and establish a guaranteed minimum income for them.

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Those deemed able to work would not receive increased benefits under the plan but could be eligible for subsidized training or job search bonuses.

READ MORE: Montrealers march 15 kilometres for $15 minimum wage

The Quebec government says the plan would help lift about 100,000 people out of poverty by 2023 but anti-poverty groups are already denouncing it, saying it creates two classes of poor by punishing those who are deemed able to work.

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The next provincial election is set for October 2018.

WATCH: Fighting poverty in Canada

Click to play video: 'Focus Montreal: Fighting poverty in Canada'
Focus Montreal: Fighting poverty in Canada

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