Table of contents

Introduction

1. An uncertain economic context
   1. Before September 11: an already perceptible slowdown, but a fundamentally sound Québec economy
   2. Since September 11: a level of confidence to be maintained
       
2. Priority given to balanced public finances: maintaining a zero deficit
   1. Our prudent management has enabled us to offset much of the impact of the anticipated economic slowdown
   2. Increase in the tobacco tax
   3. Rigorous management of spending
       
3. The government’s action plan
   1. A prerequisite: ensuring personal security
   2. $400 million to assist consumers
   3. $3 billion in accelerated public-sector investments
   4. Support for SMEs and incentives to accelerate private-sector investment, notably by reducing the tax on capital
   5. Action plan follow-up mechanism

Conclusion