The independent MP for Vaudreuil, Marie-Claude Nichols, denounces the historic $11B deficit announced this week by the CAQ government. The MP, who was a member of the previous government that left a generous $7 billion surplus in the government coffers in 2018, after contributions to the Generations Fund, finds it hard to understand why the Legault government has lost control of public finance management to such an extent. The situation will have long-term consequences for Quebec.

Minister Girard's budget has been very poorly received by the main players in Quebec society. Community groups, employers, the cultural community and environmental groups have spoken out across Quebec, denouncing not only the record deficit, but also the government's choices, which are out of step with the real needs of Quebecers. For Marie-Claude Nichols, "this budget demonstrates the Legault government's disconnect with the real priorities of the Quebec population. Everyone loses out in this budget, and the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region is no exception. No investment is planned for our region in the Plan québécois des infrastructures. Major projects that have been called for over the years, such as Highway 20, have once again been sidelined. I'm going to make sure I question the ministers on the senseless decisions that have been made."

Public transit, far from a priority for the CAQ

For a region like Vaudreuil-Soulanges, which is experiencing a demographic explosion, the CAQ's stubborn refusal to develop public transit is having serious consequences, both for our environment and for the mobility of our population. For MarieClaude Nichols, the lack of investment in public transit for the region is unacceptable. "Mobility is an important issue for the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, but the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility remains insensitive to the reality of our citizens.With all our road network problems, the addition of an efficient public transit system on our territory would enable our population to enjoy greater mobility, while respecting our environment.Connecting to the REM would also make a big difference for our citizens, but also for the economic development of our region, particularly in terms of attracting labour.This is yet another lack of vision on the part of this government."

A victory for our seniors

One positive aspect of the budget for the MP is the increase in the pension for disabled seniors aged 65 and over, which will rise to $3,930 per year for approximately 77,000 seniors. This measure was developed by the Liberal Official Opposition, who worked hard to have it added to the budget."I would like to congratulate MP Linda Caron, who fought hard to get the government to agree to better support our seniors with disabilities.This was a recurring request from several members of my riding, who will benefit from this additional boost to improve their quality of life," enthuses MNA Nichols.

Finally, Marie-Claude Nichols indicates that she will be very present at the budget study sessions at the National Assembly, a privileged moment to question the various government ministers on the budget choices they have made over the past year.