Quebec Liberals prepare voter pitches for 2018 election

More paid time off for workers, better services for Englishspeakers and a rapid transit line between Montreal and Quebec City were all part of Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard’s pitch to voters as his party met in Quebec City this weekend.

With an election planned for next October, Couillard appeared to be in campaign mode as he addressed voters and his party faithful at a Quebec Liberal party convention.

In a closing speech to 1,400 party members, he alluded to the weekend’s workshops where party members discussed measures to support parents who still in school and bring in child-care that is better adapted to parents’ needs.

“We will make a difference to the lives of family members,” he promised.

He also alluded to his government’s recent fiscal update, which included income tax cuts and a decision to send parents a $100 cheque to help pay for school supplies.

Speaking to reporters, Couillard explained that his party’s decision to switch from belttightening measures to spending less than a year from the election was possible because his party had restored order to public finances.

“(At first) we concentrated on putting our house in order, which we did,” he said.

“Everything I’m talking about — health care, education, road traffic, work-life balance — if you don’t have sound public finances and a prosperous economy, it’s nonsense, it’s nothing, it’s wind.”

During the convention, Couillard’s party adopted a resolution to ensure that any bills passed by his government would be assessed to determine their impact on the Englishspeaking community.