Quebec Budget 2013‐2014 - Focus On Public Policy, November 2012

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.