Video transcription

Hello, and thank you for visiting the website to learn more about the budget I tabled in the National Assembly on March 20.

This budget – which neither raises taxes nor adds new ones for individuals – was designed with the primary objective of fostering a strong economy for Québec and thus creating wealth for Quebecers.

For that, the essential condition is to maintain control over our public finances.

And we are in control.

The government has slowed the growth in its spending, while preserving public services.

For the third year in a row, the deficit is adjusted downward.

In fact, our forecasts show that Québec will run large surpluses within five years. In 2016-2017, a surplus of two and a half billion dollars will be paid into the Generations fund to reduce the debt.

Thanks to our responsible decisions and our disciplined management of public funds, we are staying the course towards a return to fiscal balance in 2013-2014.

A strong economy means undertaking projects that will add to our collective wealth.

The Plan Nord is the best example of this.

The development of northern Québec’s natural resources will enable Quebecers to benefit from this collective wealth, while protecting the environment and being sensitive to local communities.

By opening up this vast territory, thousands of jobs will be generated and sustained both in the north and the south.

Our new mining royalty regime will pay big dividends: Between 2001 and 2009, we collected less than $300 million, whereas over the next ten years, we will receive collectively some $4 billion.

Our businesses have not been forgotten.

The budget puts forward measures to make it easier for them to access capital, stimulate their exports and foster the development of cooperatives.

A major plan is being introduced for the tourism industry, significant measures will support our cultural industries and targeted support is being made available for our Capital Quebec city, Montréal and our regions.

This year, the budget is announcing one billion two hundred million dollars in new capital to stimulate investments.

But Québec needs all the labour available to develop its full potential.

The budget includes new incentives for our experienced workers, our young people and our immigrants to participate actively in the labour market.

And we must also take care of our parents. We owe them everything.

Thanks to the budget’s plan for seniors aging at home and investments that ultimately will reach an additional nine hundred million dollars per year, our seniors will receive better home support and enjoy greater independence in their community.

A strong economy is what this budget proposes for you. I encourage you to learn more about it. Thank you.