Last week, I called for resisting easy promises and enticing marketing of tax cuts in our election thinking. But taxation is not the only dimension of party programs to take into consideration when it comes to measuring their impact on our daily financial life. This week, therefore, I propose to do this examination from the point of view of families.
Education remains among the neglected in the campaign, when it should be at the top of our priorities. According to the Transfer Center for Educational Success in Quebec, the increase in graduation not only facilitates access to more interesting jobs, but also promotes the improvement of living conditions, a longer life expectancy and a life wealthier citizen.
While it is true that a degree is not necessary to create wealth or succeed in business, an educated population makes better economic and financial choices, both collectively and individually. Looking through the party platforms, we see that infrastructure commitments are more ambitious among those who are more discreet about the challenges surrounding the training of quality teachers and the quality of services. It is to think about.
One thing is certain, we should take advantage of the last week of the campaign to address the debate on what many call the “three-speed system”, particularly observable in high school. It is legitimate that individually, we want to offer the best to our children. But, collectively, wouldn’t we benefit from favoring all children from all walks of life?
I regularly see parents who are torn about spending large sums on privately educating their children at the expense of their own financial security and retirement readiness. I see others multiplying the detours — with waste of time and money — to allow their children to attend a public school with more attractive special programs.
Québec solidaire is clear on this subject: the group wishes to put an end to the funding of private schools, while the Liberal Party of Québec is committed to offering free access to a specific educational project in public schools, up to a maximum of $5000.
One last little thing about education. Will you be surprised to read that the economics course of 5e secondary was one of my favourites? I learned how to prepare a budget (and I realized that life costs a lot more than I thought!) and the basics of the economic system. I launch the naive appeal to the candidates so that they commit themselves in favor of his return in the course!
Being able to feed
The grocery basket costs and will cost more and more, families will not escape it. We are fortunately “blessed” to live in such a rich environment with diversified agricultural production managed by families of local entrepreneurs. Let us applaud the measures that aim to support their work and protect our agricultural lands.
The Coalition avenir Québec wants to invest in sustainable agriculture and add $50 million to help the next generation acquire farmland. She also wants to expand the “Agri-food comes to school” program so that elementary school students have the opportunity to get in touch with local producers and learn more about food, composting , gardening and buying local.
The chef, François Legault, plans to invest an additional $175 million in Quebec’s food autonomy. A local food purchasing policy in the public sector would be implemented by QS, with a target of 70% local food and 50% plant-based meals. The party would also block urban sprawl and “city encroachment” on agricultural land.
start a family
How much does it cost to have children? The answer varies from family to family, but obviously it costs more than not having one. All the parties say they want to improve and/or solidify the network of subsidized daycare and CPE places (except the Conservative Party of Quebec). In addition, the CAQ announced its intention to improve the family allowance program, the PLQ wishes to double the measure for the purchase of school supplies, while QS and the PCQ agree to increase the payment of the Quebec parental insurance at full salary during parental leave.
QS also proposes eliminating primary and secondary school fees, including the cost of sports or artistic programs, while the PCQ suggests not applying the QST on the purchase of sports equipment or gym registration and sports activities.
With the family stage, access to property becomes a major challenge. The hurdles for first-time buyers or lower-income families are greater than ever. The PLQ promises an abolition of the “welcome tax” and transfer duties, in addition to wanting to put in place a policy to limit overbidding on renovated properties. A tax of 0.5 to 1% on vacant dwellings would be imposed.
QS is proposing a $1 billion anti-speculation fund managed by the Société d’habitation du Québec with the aim of rehabilitating 10,000 houses and condos that would be resold at an affordable price. The PCQ promises the cancellation of transfer duties when buying a house for a family with at least two minor children. The CAQ had already announced in the spring its intention to double the tax credit for the purchase of a first home. The PQ has undertaken to build the 10,000 housing units overdue in the AccèsLogis program and to build 5,000 housing units per year for five years.
Regardless of who will be in power on October 3, each citizen will have to continue to manage their personal finances rigorously and make the best possible choices based on their reality. Since it is not always possible to make connections between the promises and our individual reality, the ideal will be to vote according to your fundamental values.