How does Pontiac fair in Quebec government's economic update?

Mélissa Gélinas

On November 21, Quebec officially released its fall economic update, with repercussions that will be felt throughout Quebec, including in the Outaouais.

“One of the biggest changes for the Pontiac concerns workers between the ages of 60 and 65,” said André Fortin, Pontiac MNA. “They will lose a tax credit, which represents about $1,000 per year, that was put in place several years ago by the Liberal government to promote the retention of people over the age of 60 [in the workforce]. With the difficult financial situation in Quebec, this credit will be withdrawn,” he continued. 

There are positives, however. According to Fortin, there will be a federal-provincial agreement on silviculture projects (tree planting). “We hope Pontiac will be able to play its cards right to have projects and locations selected,” he added.

Fortin said the situation is worrisome for all of Quebec since the government finds itself with a deficit of more than $11 billion. The health sector will be particularly affected. “The government is making cuts everywhere,” he told the Journal. “We're faced with $90 million in cuts to the CISSS de l'Outaouais. In some regions, this has led to drastic decisions that will affect direct health services to the population.

We don't really know how CISSSO will respond to the CAQ's order without affecting services. There isn't $90 million in administration, so if they have to cut, it will directly affect services to the population,” he concluded.