The leader of the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ), François Legault, promises to limit to 3% not only the increase in hydroelectricity rates, but also that of daycare rates, tuition fees, driver’s licenses, fees registration, and this, during inflationary surges.
On an annual basis, from July 2021 to July 2022, prices increased by no less than 7.3%.
The CAQ rejects the idea of decreeing a rate freeze, because “one day or another, such a freeze always causes a rate shock, in addition to jeopardizing the finances of the Quebec state”.
The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonatan Julien, had presented in June – a few hours before the end of the parliamentary session – a bill aimed at limiting the increase in hydroelectricity costs to 3%. But the bill died, predictably, on the order paper.
Mr. Legault unveiled the last piece of his “anti-inflation shield” in the riding of Iberville, which is currently represented by ex-caquiste, turned independent, then conservative Claire Samson.
As of August 30, the candidate of the CAQ, Audrey Bogemans, collected more or less 52% of the voting intentions, against more or less 17% for the candidate of the Conservative Party of Quebec, Anne Casabonne, according to the poll aggregator QC125.
The “anti-inflation shield” promised by the CAQ therefore consists of a “cheque” of $400 to $600 for 6.4 million Quebecers in 2022, a tax cut for all in 2023, increased financial assistance for low-income seniors and a cap on government rates.
Further details will follow.