Several CAQ ministers under surveillance for the start of the school year

After a year 2023 marked by controversies and a collapse in the polls, François Legault wants to give the members of his team the chance to deliver several reforms. He must first ensure that he and his players do not cause further “distractions.” Ministers will be evaluated according to the results, with a view to a real mid-term reshuffle which could occur at the end of the year. Here are those that are particularly worth watching for back to school.

The energy future in Fitz’s hands

While electricity needs will require the production of 9,000 additional megawatts in the next 10 years, Quebec finds itself at a time of choice. François Legault had announced a major debate on the issue, which never took place. We are surrounded by mystery. The superminister, used to distributing money and production capacity, appeared annoyed, it is said behind the scenes, when the PM’s office asked him to tighten the tap. The businessman will have to present promising solutions for the economy, while ensuring long-term supply at the lowest cost for Quebecers.

LeBel’s final negotiation

The strikes have hurt, the agreements in principle concluded so far will cost the treasury dearly. The minister’s star has not faded too much. Above all, it was his colleagues and the PM himself who damaged the government’s balance of power. Despite the weight of the last few months which is surely being felt and the uncertainty surrounding agreements with teachers, the ongoing negotiations with the FIQ are decisive for the possible success of Christian Dubé’s reform. She must find a way to obtain more flexibility to maximize the presence of nurses in the evenings and weekends, and encourage greater mobility. Here is one who will not be sorry to be able to shine differently when the reshuffle comes.

Dubé facing the doctors

His government allowed his reform to be adopted under a gag order, so that it could implement Santé Québec as soon as it returned from vacation. But what will really make it possible to provide more services to Quebecers? It is above all the obligation for specialist doctors to offer additional procedures. However, this element was removed from the bill and must be negotiated this year. After the announcement of this “understanding” to be completed, the federation of specialist doctors refused any comment. Enough to arouse suspicion. Then, he must not miss his chance by choosing the team of “top guns” who will manage his new state company.

An agency also for Guilbault

Her mandate in Transport has been difficult so far and she wants to get back on track with an agency that would lead major infrastructure works and public transport projects. She will benefit from a break from fiery headlines, with the third link and tramway projects in Quebec being on hold while CDPQ Infra analyzes it. Considered as a future candidate to succeed François Legault, she no longer enjoys the same aura. Moreover, contrary to usual, the Deputy Prime Minister was not at the side of her leader either at the press conference to review the session in parliament in December, nor at that of the back-to-school caucus on Thursday. An intriguing absence.

Cairo’s last chance

In the eyes of some, no matter what the unloved achieves between now and the reshuffle, he will inevitably be excluded from the next Council of Ministers. However, SAAQclic was only the first step in a necessary digital transformation of services to citizens. After the queues and chaos at the SAAQ will come the transformation of the Revenu Québec platform. Yes, I know, you immediately imagine a nightmare. But if the minister and his team have learned from their mistakes, it is possible to avoid the pitfalls. In government offices, we hold our breath. There is still a chance for Caire to accomplish something positive whatever happens to him next.

Duranceau’s solutions

Her bill to counter the housing crisis, tabled in June, could not be adopted before Christmas, as she made so many amendments, piecemeal, without explaining the changes made. In journalistic memory, we have rarely seen such a laborious and vague process. Despite the openness shown by François Legault himself, she refuses to backtrack on the ban on the transfer of leases. Even if the PM greatly appreciates his recruit, she will have to ensure that the housing supply is improved. It has become a barrier even for labor recruitment. She will benefit from the advice of a new chief of staff to support her, Marie-Claude Lavigne, who worked with the old wolf Jean-Marc Fournier, under the Liberal government.