Ministère des Finances - Budget 1999-2000

1999-2000 Budget / A Word from the Minister

With this Budget, we are consolidating the virtuous circle edified in recent years. In addition, we are following up on numerous commitments made during the election campaign and, indeed, are going beyond them.

I am proud to announce that we are achieving a zero deficit in 1998-1999, one year earlier than anticipated. For the first time in 40 years, a fiscal year is ending without a deficit. A zero deficit will also be achieved in 1999-2000. It is a question of simple justice and fairness between generations.

We owe this result primarily to the sound performance of the Québec economy, which in 1998 enjoyed one of its best years in the past decade. We are immediately allocating the surpluses over forecasts to priority needs: health, education and young people, employment, the development of Québec culture and the reduction of personal income tax.

To summarize, I am tabling today a Budget that satisfies Quebecers’ demands, responds to their desire to work for posterity and for prosperity, both fairness and identity, and all that underpins our national ideal.

Bernard Landry