As 1st election debate approaches, Quebec party leaders talk transport, health | CBC News
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Promises on transport, public safety and health care filled the air on the Quebec campaign trail on Saturday as leaders prepare to face off in debates next week.
The first of three debates between the leaders of the five major parties is scheduled for Tuesday in preparation for the Oct. 5 election.
Parti Québecois (PQ) Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Liberal Leader Charles Milliard both said they would put an increased focus on prevention to lighten the province’s health-care system.
In a press conference in Montreal on Saturday morning, St-Pierre Plamondon said his party would invest $550 million over four years in prevention measures while encouraging physical activity and mental health care.
PQ, Liberals focus on prevention
He also promised to crack down on overprescribing of medications.
“We’re shifting our approach and saying, if we invest money and time in preventing these problems, there will be less people in emergency rooms and less people throughout the system,” he said.
He also reiterated his promise to abolish Santé Quebec, the province’s public health agency that was created in 2024 and became the sole employer in the health and social services network.
He said not all the agency’s employees would be laid off by such a move, but did not specify how many would lose their jobs.
In Trois-Rivières, Milliard promised his party would invest five per cent of the province’s health-care budget in 10 years in prevention services like vaccination, cancer screening and chronic disease prevention.
After a week marked by talks of sovereignty, Milliard tried to paint himself as the best candidate to negotiate with Ottawa on immigration.
He accused Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Leader Christine Frechette of not wanting to work with the rest of the country.
QS banks on free public transit for some
Québec Solidaire spokesperson Ruba Ghazal said in a press conference in Montreal that, if elected, her party would make public transit free for those under 25 years old and those over 65 years old.
She said her party would also increase funding for public transit and highlighted the positive economic and environmental potential of such a measure.
“There are populations with an even greater need for public transit, and right now there are many barriers, whether in terms of service or affordability,” she said.
She accused the outgoing CAQ administration of having “abandoned” public transit.
Since 2023, Montrealers aged 65 and over have been able to ride public transit for free. Many believe that this measure has helped combat social isolation and improve the daily lives of seniors.
Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Eric Duhaime attended a protest in Quebec City against the ongoing tramway project and called for a clear estimate of the cost.
He repeated his disapproval of the project, casting instead his support to the so-called “third link” bridge project which has seen various iterations in recent years.
CAQ promises to hire more police officers, prosecuters
Fréchette, leader of the CAQ, visited the province’s police school in Nicolet, close to Trois-Rivières. She promised her party would spend $196 million to hire 300 additional police officers and 50 prosecutors in the province.
She said online crime, homelessness and mental health issues have made police officers’ jobs more complex.
“Despite our many efforts, … Quebecers remain worried,” she said.
While the Parti Québécois has been favoured by some public opinion polls, recent surveys appear to show the CAQ gaining momentum.
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