Leitão’s Update on the Economy: The Government Must Maintain their Strategy for Growth
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate publication
Leitão’s Update on the Economy: The Government Must Maintain their Strategy for Growth
Pointe-Claire, December 12th 2015 – Following the Quebec Finance Minister, Mr. Carlos Leitão’s presentation of the economic update, The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of maintaining rigorous management of public finances, which is key to economic growth.
“The Finance Minister confirms that Quebec is on the right track” claim Ms. Françoise Bertrand, Director General of the FCCQ and Mr. Joseph Huza, Executive Director of the WIMCC. “The proposed plan as presented, reflects a healthy management of public finances, which is encouraging.”
The FCCQ and WIMCC are satisfied to see that Quebec’s deficit for 2014-2015 is lower than what was projected in the last budget. In the current economic context, it is important to maintain good control over our public finances. This being said, it is an opportunity to distribute available funds judiciously. The FCCQ and WIMCC request that the government maintains its strategy on the Godbout and Robillard commissions’ recommendations.
Recent improvements of the province’s financial situation may lead some to conclude that we should increase spending. The FCCQ and WIMCC ask the government not to be drawn into this temptation, but rather to focus on stimulating economic development or on reducing the debt load on Quebec’s GDP.
The government has launched promising National strategies such as the Plan Nord, the Maritime Strategy and the Aluminum Strategy which should be its main focus Expectations were set and opportunities are numerous. Actions must now follow from these ambitious projects.
“The government has a rigorous budgetary plan. In a context where Quebec has an urgent need for private investment, it must also support projects and help economic development”, concluded Ms. Bertrand and Mr. Huza.
About the WIMCC
The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) is the voice of the West Island business community, as it represents the needs of its 850 members. Its mission is to encourage and promote the development of the business community. For more information on the Chamber and its upcoming events, visit www.ccoim.ca.
About the FCCQ
With its extensive network of more than 140 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec represents over 60,000 businesses and 150,000 business people involved in all sectors of the economy throughout Quebec. As the province’s premier business network, the FCCQ serves as both a federation and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members share a common goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment.
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Information (WIMCC):
Mélanie DesRosiers
Events Coordinator
The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce
514-697-4228
mdesrosiers@wimcc.ca
Information (FCCQ):
Marilyne Marcoux
Conseillère aux communications
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Tél. : 514 844-9571, p. 3227
Cell : 514 647-4745
marilyne.marcoux@fccq.ca