Agenda heavy as MNAs return to assembly
Secularism, identity, health and culture among hot-button issues to address
With just over a year to go before the next provincial election, Quebec political parties will be jockeying for position when they return to the National Assembly Tuesday for the fall session.
At the moment, there are 68 Liberal MNAs, 28 from the Parti Québécois, 20 from Coalition Avenir Québec, three from Québec solidaire and five independents. Voters will elect an MNA for the one unrepresented riding — Quebec City’s Louis-Hébert riding — on Oct. 2. The next general election is scheduled for October 2018.
Here’s what to expect this fall:
SECULARISM AND IDENTITY
Secularism is back on the agenda thanks to Bill 62, which would require faces to be uncovered when giving or receiving government services and would create a framework for reasonable accommodations.
Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée has tabled amendments that extend the bill on religious neutrality to municipalities and transit agencies. The PQ, CAQ and Québec solidaire have criticized the Couillard government for not going far enough in banning the wearing of religious symbols among public servants.
Quebec identity is also expected to be at the heart of debates in the National Assembly, following the massive arrival of asylum seekers from the United States. The issue of immigration, the need for French immigrants, as well as systemic racism will come up in the debate. In fact, the Couillard government is preparing to launch a wide-ranging consultation on racism in Quebec, much of which will be held behind closed doors.
HEALTH
The tug of war between Health Minister Gaétan Barrette and general practitioners continues. By Dec. 31, 85 per cent of Quebec’s population must have a family doctor. Otherwise, Bill 20 will apply and doctors will see their salaries cut. Currently, nearly 77 per cent of the population has access to a family physician.
Opposition parties have signalled that they plan to target the government for long wait times in hospital emergency rooms, as well as for giving doctors salary increases that are deemed excessive.
ECONOMY, NAFTA AND LUMBER
Major negotiations for the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the softwood-lumber agreement with the U.S. are underway. This summer, Premier Philippe Couillard praised the dynamism of his ministers, who will carry out 30 missions on U.S. soil by the end of the year.
This fall, Finance Minister Carlos Leitão will present an economic update. On Sept. 8, he announced his intention to reduce Quebecers’ tax burden in the coming year.
CULTURAL POLICY
Culture Minister Luc Fortin will be a key player in the next parliamentary session. Twenty-five years after the adoption of Quebec’s current cultural policy, he will unveil a new policy titled Our Culture, Our Future. It will aim to promote the French language, and will take into account the evolution of cultural practices, globalization, demographic changes, cultural diversity and technological development.
A CABINET SHUFFLE?
In the run-up to the election, Couillard may want to present a fresh image of his cabinet, including more young people, women and representatives of Quebec’s regions. The premier’s longtime chief of staff, Jean-Louis Dufresne, was replaced on Sept. 12. At a Liberal caucus meeting in Vald’Or last week, Couillard said his government would begin a “new phase” this fall.
Culture Minister Luc Fortin ... will unveil a new policy titled Our Culture, Our Future ... to promote the French language.