Introduction -

The Honourable Nicolas Marceau, Quebec’s Minister of Finance and Economy, today tabled the first Parti Quebecois (PQ) budget, or “economic blueprint” since having taken office this past September. The 2013-2014 Budget has been presented much earlier than anticipated. The recently elected Premier of Quebec, Pauline Marois, has suggested an early budget was necessary so as to address Quebec’s $1.6 billion deficit. More likely, however, this is an attempt by the Marois government to limit the prospect of another election in the context of a minority government.

Highlights -

The PQ government endeavoured to stay true to elements of their leftist electoral platform while balancing fiscal realities and adopting several austerity measures. The budget centered on three themes: “families, private investment, and responsible government.” The province plans to eliminate the $.1.6 billion deficit by 2013-2014.

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