So, if the state budget is in the holeit’s the teachers’ fault.
In fact, not just teachers, but rather “public services” which cost more than expected.
The price of the open bar
Like the enthusiastic bride and groom who chose the open bar, the government is now being hit with the bill resulting from its decisions.
The Prime Minister, flanked by Ministers LeBel and Drainville, would like us to believe that if the Quebec budget does not arrive, it is because the good government has chosen to improve the working conditions of teachers, but it is is smoke and mirrors.
Notice, we are being told this on a beautiful Sunday one month before the budget presentation, while negotiations are still underway with the health sector.
Tactic to lower expectations? Disaster warning?
Both of these answers are good.
Any good communicator knows that it is always better to lower expectations and maximize results.
If ultimately the budget is “not that bad”, if the deficit is less than announced, everyone will breathe a sigh of relief.
Catching up with Ontario
Since the start of the pandemic, the Legault government has solved all its problems with bonuses instead of tackling the root of the issues.
It is a universal remedy, until it becomes an incurable illness.
For the moment, that’s good, because it allows the Prime Minister to boast that salaries are close to those in Ontario. He will want to tell us that under his government, Quebecers have become richer.
However, when salaries climb in government, businesses struggle to keep up, consumer prices rise even more, inflation explodes and ultimately, Quebecers become poorer.
Are you richer and better served today than before the deficits?