Quebec's spending will have to grow less quickly, warns Minister Girard

Photo: Jean Balthazard Le Devoir The government will have to cap the growth rate of its spending at a rate of 3% to stem the deficit. “What is 3%? It’s 4% in health, 3% in education, then 2% for everything else,” explained Eric Girard.

Stéphane Rolland – The Canadian Press

12:34 p.m.

• Quebec

At a time when Quebec must deal with a structural deficit of $4 billion, Quebecers will have to moderate their expectations regarding Quebec's ability to intervene outside of health and education.

The Minister of Finance, Eric Girard, reiterated this message on Monday before the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, a week after the publication of the provincial budget.

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“Since we have had a high level of spending, we will have to have a more moderate future growth rate,” declared the minister to the Montreal business community.

The government will therefore have to cap the growth rate of its spending at a rate of 3% to curb the budget deficit. “What is 3% ? It’s 4% in health, 3% in education, then 2% for everything else. »

In this context, Minister Girard tempered expectations for state missions other than health and education.

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Free festivals on demand

This is particularly the case for free festivals in Montreal which are going through a difficult period. “No, there is no significant increase in this budget because I started by telling you what: “priority health and education””, replied Minister Girard to a question from the President of the House, Michel Leblanc.

“I recognize that it is extremely important,” he adds. Then, I think that these festivals must work with the Minister of Culture [Mathieu Lacombe] and I recognize that they are important, that it is part of Montreal's reputation. I'm going to let people work together. »

The minister did not seem more receptive to the idea of ​​expanding the Palais des congrès de Montréal, a project supported by the Chamber of Commerce. “The Palais des Congrès was not prioritized. We nevertheless had the United Nations convention on biodiversity. So, our convention center is still functional. »

“We’ve met six times, you’ve talked to me about it six times. A budget will surely come, if the project is as exceptional as you say,” said Mr. Girard in a joke.