Final Quebec election debate: Leaders battle over taxes, immigration, a referendum and Bill 96

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That is our reside weblog concerning the Quebec election debate on Thursday, Sept. 22. Questions/feedback: ariga@postmedia.com

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High updates:

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Watch the controversy:

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11:45 p.m.

Thanks for studying

That’s it for tonight.

I’ll be again tomorrow morning with one other election reside weblog.

Within the meantime, you may learn our election protection at montrealgazette.com.

11:15 p.m.

French language will proceed to say no below Legault, St-Pierre Plamondon says

At a quick post-debate press convention, St-Pierre Plamondon says that below Legault Quebec will proceed to see a decline within the French language and to face a brick wall when demanding extra powers from Ottawa.

“I hope that I satisfied people who find themselves indépendantistes to return again house as a result of the door is large open – it’s the Parti Québécois house,” he says.

St-Pierre Plamondon was referring to sovereignists who’ve opted to vote for the CAQ up to now, and those that are supporters of the pro-sovereignty Québec solidaire.

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11 p.m.

Quebec ‘over-confined’ in the course of the pandemic, Duhaime says

At a quick post-debate press convention, Duhaime says he was stunned that Legault attacked him over the pandemic at a degree within the debate when the topic was psychological well being.

“I discovered it a bit weird,” Duhaime says.

He says Quebec “over-confined” in the course of the pandemic and that had a “devastating” impression on psychological well being.

Duhaime says Quebec had the worst loss of life fee in Canada in the course of the COVID-19 disaster.

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10:55 p.m.

Legault says he was ‘shocked’ by Anglade’s assault

At a quick post-debate press convention, Legault says he was “shocked” by Anglade’s accusation that his CAQ authorities hasn’t performed sufficient for girls.

He says he has performed lots for girls, pointing to wage will increase for academics, daycare employees and hospital orderlies.

Legault is requested if the truth that he targeted lots of his assaults on Nadeau-Dubois exhibits that the QS chief is his primary opponent.

He doesn’t reply, as a substitute attacking Nadeau-Dubois for planning to extend taxes and lift Quebec’s debt.

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10:40 p.m.

Legault ‘residing in one other period’ on local weather change, Nadeau-Dubois says

At a quick post-debate press convention, Nadeau-Dubois says local weather change is an emergency scenario and Legault “has no plan.”

“Mr. Legault resides in one other period, he lives in one other period, and you could possibly see it tonight,” he provides.

Nadeau-Dubois says that “other than imaginary dams,” Legault has nothing to suggest to Quebecers.

He says Legault is extra taken with attacking QS than in preventing local weather change.

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10:30 p.m.

Legault is ‘paternalistic’ and ‘underestimates the challenges that have an effect on girls,’ Anglade says

At a quick press convention after the controversy, Anglade is requested if she thinks the Legault authorities has not handled girls equally.

“I feel he underestimates the challenges that have an effect on girls,” she solutions. “We see it with daycares, academics and nurses.”

Anglade additionally accuses Legault of being “paternalistic” throughout their heated trade about girls.

She says Legault likes to “impose his considering,” whereas her fashion of management is extra “collaborative.”

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10:15 p.m.

Subject: Sovereignty

Legault says there’ll at all times be sovereignists in Quebec however in the intervening time, it’s not a precedence for Quebecers.

The moderator asks him: Would you vote sure in a referendum?

Legault doesn’t reply. “We don’t desire a referendum. It will divide Quebecers.”

The opposite leaders level out that the CAQ chief gained’t reply however the debate strikes on.

Anglade jumps in to inform viewers how she thinks the opposite leaders would vote in a referendum.

She says St-Pierre Plamondon and Nadeau-Dubois would vote Sure, whereas it could be a “possibly” for Duhaime and Legault, each of whom have promoted sovereignty up to now.

“With us, it could be No,” Anglade says. “The selection is obvious. We’re a federalist occasion.”

10:10 p.m.

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Subject: Invoice 21

Legault says the CAQ’s secularism legislation was a center floor and doesn’t go so far as an analogous one in French.

He notes that in Quebec it solely applies to individuals who work in sure jobs and solely once they’re at work.

Anglade says Invoice 21 divided Quebecers.

She wonders why it could matter if academics put on non secular symbols

Nadeau-Dubois says QS would take away some parts of Invoice 21. For instance, academics needs to be allowed to put on non secular symbols, he says.

Duhaime and St-Pierre Plamondon say they assist Invoice 21.

10:05 p.m.

Subject: Invoice 96

Anglade says the Liberals need to defend the French language.

Requested about Invoice 96, she says Quebec mustn’t take away rights from the province’s English-speaking neighborhood and from immigrants.

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Anglade says the invoice was divisive.

Duhaime interrupts, stating that the Liberals have been initially in favour of Invoice 96, probably the most important renewal of Invoice 101 because the French Language Constitution was adopted in 1977.

He additionally notes that the Liberals proposed amendments that made Invoice 96 extra onerous and solely backed down when the problem induced an uproar within the anglophone neighborhood.

“You discuss out of each side of your mouth,” Duhaime tells Anglade.

The Liberal chief says her occasion voted towards Invoice 96. She additionally notes that the Liberals voted towards Invoice 21, the secularism legislation that bans the carrying of spiritual symbols equivalent to hijabs amongst some authorities employees.

She accuses Duhaime of desirous to “go even additional on Invoice 21.”

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St-Pierre Plamondon says Invoice 101 needs to be utilized to CEGEPs, barring francophone and allophones from going to English schools.

Legault notes that in 2020 when St-Pierre Plamondon was operating to be PQ chief, he opposed making use of Invoice 101 to CEGEPs.

10 p.m.

Subject: Immigration

How can Quebec defend the French language even because it welcomes immigrants?

Nadeau-Dubois says QS would higher combine immigration, get extra immigrants to settle within the areas and foster a love of the French language amongst newcomers.

Duhaime says the federal government’s position is to make sure immigrants can be taught French and discover jobs. He says Quebec does a poor job on the francization entrance.

Anglade notes that her dad and mom have been immigrants and provides that immigrants are essential to Quebec’s future. Targetting Legault, she says it’s time to cease “pointing fingers, cease dividing, cease saying that immigration is an issue or a menace.”

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St-Pierre Plamondon says too many immigrants are leaning towards talking English over French. He desires the variety of immigrants to be minimize to guard the French language.

Legault says the “first job of the premier of Quebec is to make sure the way forward for French” and to try this the province should cut back the variety of immigrants who don’t communicate French.

He says Quebec should repatriate extra energy over immigration from the federal authorities.

9:45 p.m.

Subject: Baby care

Anglade and Legault conflict over girls and little one care.

“Mr. Legault, below your authorities, the scenario for girls worsened,” Anglade says.

This appears to upset Legault.

“Oh, oh,” he says, talking over Anglade.

She responds: “It’s not a joke.”

Legault continues talking over Anglade, however different leaders bounce in and inform Legault to let Anglade communicate.

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She says some girls can’t return to the job market as a result of they don’t have entry to daycare as a result of ready lists have gotten longer and longer.

Legault says it’s not true that the CAQ authorities didn’t deal with girls nicely.

He says his authorities elevated salaries for academics and well being employees. And he says the daycare system was a large number below the Liberals.

9:35 p.m.

Subject: Entry to psychological well being care

Duhaime says Quebecers’ psychological well being suffered lately, notably that of youthful individuals. He seems to be speaking concerning the pandemic.

Nadeau-Dubois says QS desires to “make investments massively” to draw the psychologists who left the general public system so as to work within the personal sector.

St-Pierre Plamondon agress with Nadeau-Dubois.

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Anglade says common entry to psychological well being care is critical.

Legault says the CAQ desires to extend the salaries of psychologists within the public system.

He then adjustments matters and begins speaking concerning the pandemic, focusing on Duhaime.

Legault says that in the course of the pandemic, the Conservative chief was an “agitator who profited from the struggling of individuals in Quebec.” On the time, Duhaime was a radio commentator who was extremely vital of pandemic restrictions.

In probably the most dramatic trade to this point, Legault asks Duhaime what number of seniors he “was keen to sacrifice.” They communicate over each other however Legault repeatedly tells Duhaime that he was “irresponsible.”

Duhaime shoots again, saying Legault was “irresponsible with the kids of Quebec,” an obvious reference to the closure of faculties in the course of the pandemic.

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9:30 p.m.

Subject: Retaining academics

Anglade says she not too long ago met a trainer who’s quitting the occupation as a result of she’s burnt out due to a scarcity of assets in colleges. She says Quebec should increase assets for college kids with particular wants and deal with academics higher.

Nadeau-Dubois, a former pupil chief, says he has fought for enhancements to the training system for years. He says the variety of college students who require additional assist has elevated considerably and academics want extra assist.

Legault says the CAQ has considerably elevated training funding and trainer salaries.
St-Pierre Plamondon says the variety of colleges in disrepair has elevated considerably because the CAQ took energy.

Duhaime says the Conservatives would encourage dad and mom to be extra concerned in colleges.

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9:20 p.m.

Subject: Well being care delays and household docs

Duhaime says Conservatives would favour growing the usage of personal well being care providers.

St-Pierre Plamondon says his occasion would enhance working circumstances for well being employees and cut back Quebec’s reliance on personal nursing companies.

Nadeau-Dubois says his occasion would additionally enhance working circumstances for well being employees. He says below the CAQ, the variety of well being employees abandoning the general public system has skyrocketed.

Legault says the CAQ inherited a “sick” well being care system from the earlier Liberal authorities and is engaged on bettering it.

Anglade says the Liberals would improve entry to household docs, notably individuals residing with medical circumstances. She says she would remove necessary time beyond regulation for nurses.

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Legault says he additionally desires to remove necessary time beyond regulation. However extra nurses are wanted and it takes three years to coach them, he notes.

9:15 p.m.

Subject: Bettering entry to housing

Legault says the one strategy to make it simpler for individuals to have the ability to afford houses is to “create wealth and create jobs which can be higher paying.”

Nadeau-Dubois says Legault has ignored the problem in his 4 years in workplace. He says QS would construct extra inexpensive housing and restrict lease will increase.

Anglade says the Liberals would remove the welcome tax and make it simpler for individuals to make use of their RRSPs to purchase houses.

Duhaime says Conservatives agree with scrapping the welcome tax.

9 p.m.

Subject: Labour scarcity

Anglade says Legault hasn’t handled one in all Quebec’s most vital financial issues: the extreme labour scarcity.

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She says it’s affecting the training and well being networks.

Legault says “salaries have by no means gone up” as a lot as they’ve below the CAQ and “employees are completely satisfied.”

He says the answer is growing productiveness and retraining employees.

“It’s not true that the one answer is immigration,” Legault provides.

He instantly pivots to the French language, saying the Liberal chief “isn’t taken with defending French – you’re not taken with defending French.”

St-Pierre Plamondon says the PQ would resolve the labour scarcity by growing entry to daycares for folks who need to work and by lowering taxes for seniors who need to return to the workforce.

8:55 p.m.

Subject: Value of residing

St-Pierre Plamondon says his occasion would faucet into the surpluses Quebec has collected due to elevated provincial gross sales taxes and ship cheques to households which can be combating their payments.

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He says the PQ wouldn’t lower taxes as a result of that may result in austerity down the highway, with cuts in well being care and training.

Legault says the CAQ is providing greater than the PQ, providing cheques to low-income households and to seniors over the following yr, after which it could decrease taxes.

Duhaime says his occasion is providing the largest tax cuts and is promising to droop charging the provincial gross sales tax on gasoline.

Anglade says individuals need to determine whether or not to purchase groceries or pay the lease. She says the Liberals would offer extra money than the opposite events to households, and would increase the scale of cheques for seniors.

Nadeau-Dubois says QS would take away the provincial gross sales tax from a collection of things, together with pharmacy items, restaurant meals and clothes.

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He says the 5 per cent of Quebec’s richest individuals can afford to pay extra in taxes.

Duhaime says his occasion would cut back Quebec’s prices by lowering the general public service by 5,000 employees via attrition.

8:45 p.m.

Subject: Constructing hydro dams

Anglade says Quebec wants extra electrical energy nevertheless it ought to increase capability via wind and solar energy, conservation and inexperienced hydrogen.

Legault says reaching the province’s greenhouse gasoline targets isn’t achievable with out a new hydroelectric dam. He says the Liberals, QS and the PQ environmental plans won’t work with out a dam.

Nadeau-Dubois says Legault is speaking a couple of dam however he doesn’t say when and the place it could be constructed or how a lot it should value. He says the QS is the one occasion whose plan was given a stamp of approval by a number of specialists.

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8:35 p.m.

Subject: Taxing extremely polluting autos – and a 3rd hyperlink between Quebec Metropolis and Lévis

St-Pierre Plamondon says he’s not towards the thought however earlier than doing that individuals want higher public transportation and entry to extra electrical autos.

The PQ would increase transit and compel automotive makers and dealerships to promote extra electrical vehicles, he says.

Nadeau-Dubois is requested how a lot his occasion’s proposed new tax would add to the price of a Dodge Caravan. He doesn’t reply, as a substitute talking concerning the extra well-liked Toyota Rav-4, which wouldn’t be touched by the brand new tax.

He says different events have attacked Québec solidaire’s tax plan however his occasion additionally desires to make it simpler to afford less-polluting autos.

Legault accuses Nadeau-Dubois of wanting to shut companies and “participating in magic.”

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Nadeau-Dubois shoots again at Legault, saying he making issues up and as soon as once more being divisive. He says as a substitute of taking time denigrating the QS plan, he ought to clarify his personal.

Anglade says her occasion is between the CAQ and QS. Her occasion takes the atmosphere critically, not like the CAQ, nevertheless it wouldn’t improve taxes like QS desires to, she says.

Duhaime says QS would penalize households by considerably growing the price of minivans. He notes that the Conservatives need to take away the provincial gross sales tax on used autos.

The talk veers towards the “third hyperlink” – a proposed new roadway between Quebec Metropolis and Lévis.

Legault says the area wants a tunnel. His would value $6.5 billion.

Duhaime, who favours a less expensive bridge that may go through Île-d’Orléans, repeatedly interrupts Legault, accusing him of not having any research to again up his vastly costly challenge.

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Legault says the Conservatives bridge would “deface Île-d’Orléans.”

8:20 p.m.

Subject: The atmosphere

Legault says he desires to enhance public transportation, assist electrify industries, encourage native agriculture, enhance recycling and make buildings extra power environment friendly.

Anglade says the local weather emergency touches well being care, training, the economic system and pure assets and shouldn’t be about enterprise vs. the atmosphere.

St-Pierre Plamondon says his occasion, not like the others, has a complete plan, that may “transition Quebec to the brand new inexperienced economic system.”

Nadeau-Dubois says the atmosphere have to be handled prefer it’s the spinal column of a brand new Quebec. He says Québec solidaire would make Quebec “the greenest nation on the earth.”

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Duhaime says the Conservatives would develop fossil gas reserves to “finance the power transition to electrical transportation.”

8:10 p.m.

Query: Why do you need to be premier?

Legault says he desires to enhance training, the economic system, cut back greenhouse gases and to guard the French language.

Anglade says she desires each Quebecer, irrespective of their origin or the place they reside, are in a position to obtain their goals.

Nadeau-Dubois says he’s in politics as a result of he’s fearful concerning the future, notably in the case of the atmosphere.

St-Pierre Plamondon says he desires to make Quebec a rustic and arise for democracy, the French language, the atmosphere and the dignity of seniors.

Duhaime says he returned to politics as a result of not one of the different events shared his values and he desires to advertise civic rights, particular person freedoms and freedom.

7:55 p.m.

Apparently, ‘tonight’s gonna be an excellent night time’ for Anglade

7:50 p.m.

Pictures: Leaders arrive at debate

7:45 p.m.

A former MNA is exterior the controversy demanding electoral reform

7:35 p.m.

Nadeau-Dubois hopes for much less cacophonic debate

7:25 p.m.

‘I’m in an excellent temper,’ Legault says

7:20 p.m.

Leaders are arriving at Radio-Canada studio

7:15 p.m.

Listed below are the controversy themes

On Twitter this afternoon, Conservative Chief Éric Duhaime as we speak posted a photograph of the schedule for tonight’s debate.

Anticipate questions from the general public and exchanges between the leaders on these themes:

7:10 p.m.

Behind the scenes at tonight’s debate

7 p.m.

A debate preview

It’s one other large night time within the election marketing campaign.

With Quebecers set to start out casting ballots within the coming days, the leaders of Quebec’s 5 primary political events will face off at 8 p.m. within the second and remaining French-language televised debate.

I’ll present a reside feed of the controversy as of 8 p.m.

Right here’s a take a look at what to anticipate:

François Legault

The Coalition Avenir Québec chief is to this point forward within the polls that few observers see how he might probably lose on Oct. 3. However Legault was uninspiring in the primary debate.

And, dogged by self-inflicted accidents, Legault’s marketing campaign will not be going as deliberate. He has felt compelled to apologize – twice – because the begin of the marketing campaign, for feedback about immigration and racism towards Indigenous individuals.

Legault’s different large problem: With a number of opponents, he’s going through assaults from all sides. As a result of sheer variety of events within the combine this time, many native races are up within the air, making the ultimate end result unpredictable.

Dominique Anglade

The Liberal chief is to this point behind within the polls that some observers suppose she might lose her spot as chief of the opposition and the occasion be lowered to a rump. In tonight’s debate, Anglade can’t let herself be eclipsed by different leaders as she was within the first debate.

She has had two years as chief to attempt to join with francophone voters and has to this point failed, whilst polls present that assist is wilting amongst francophones and anglophones.

In tonight’s debate, Anglade has to someway present she isn’t simply the chief of a West Island occasion of anglophones and allophones whilst she battles to retain assist from these voters, who could also be attracted by the nascent Bloc Montréal and the Canadian Celebration of Quebec.

Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois

The youngest on the stage at 32, the Québec solidaire co-spokesperson provided a strong efficiency within the first debate. Nadeau-Dubois’s simple method and fast solutions gained him factors, with a ballot suggesting viewers topped him the winner.

Tonight’s debate is his likelihood to consolidate that goodwill and show to Quebecers that he needs to be the chief of the official opposition, not Anglade.

Anticipate Nadeau-Dubois’s opponents to hammer him on his plan to extend taxes and spend greater than half a billion {dollars} setting the stage for sovereignty in a primary QS mandate.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon

The Parti Québécois chief, who has by no means held elected workplace, is final when pollsters ask Quebecers who they’ll vote for, however he’s the favorite second alternative.

When requested who most exceeded their expectations within the final debate, St-Pierre Plamondon was tops, based on a Léger survey. And the occasion has a substantial warfare chest, second solely to the CAQ.

However he faces a problem as a result of for many Quebecers sovereignty is on the again burner. Believers in independence are cut up between the PQ and three different events whose leaders presently or at one level supported sovereignty (Québec solidaire, the CAQ and the Conservatives).

Éric Duhaime

A clean communicator, the Conservative chief scored factors within the final debate, particularly together with his assaults on Legault.

Like St-Pierre Plamondon, Duhaime, a former broadcaster and political operative, doesn’t maintain a seat within the Nationwide Meeting and the controversy was the primary likelihood Quebecers obtained to see him face-to-face with the opposite leaders. The talk gave the occasion a lift, based on one ballot.

Tonight’s rematch will likely be his likelihood to cement his message that he would make the very best opposition chief, and to spur his enthusiastic supporters to exit and forged ballots, particularly in areas the place he has some momentum – Quebec Metropolis and the Beauce area.

7 p.m.

Right here’s what the final ballot confirmed

Voting intentions didn’t change a lot after final week’s debate, with the Coalition Avenir Québec’s robust lead holding, a post-debate ballot suggests.

Help for the CAQ was unchanged at 38 per cent, based on the Léger survey, performed Sept. 16-18 for Québecor media retailers.

Three events – the Conservatives, Liberals and Québec solidaire – have been tied for second at 16 per cent every, with the PQ final at 13 per cent.

Liberal assist fell by two share factors, whereas QS noticed a drop of 1 level. Help rose for the PQ (up two factors) and the Conservatives (up one level).

Full ballot outcomes can be found on the Léger website.

7 p.m.

Legault approval score at lowest level since changing into premier

François Legault’s approval score is at its lowest level since he grew to become premier in 2018, a brand new ballot suggests.

Forty-three per cent of Quebecers surveyed by the Angus Reid Institute stated they approve of the Coalition Avenir Québec chief.

That’s “statistically tied with the bottom quantity recorded throughout his 4 years as premier” – 44 per cent, in June, Angus Reid stated.

The survey was performed Sept. 19-21.

For a lot of the pandemic, Legault had one of many highest approval rankings amongst Canadian premiers. He’s now in the midst of the pack, based on Angus Reid.

6:55 p.m.

Evaluation: With opposition divided, leaders face off in remaining TV debate

Given the staid nature of the marketing campaign, which has had no robust theme past a collection of apologies by Coalition Avenir Québec Chief François Legault, the stress is even higher on the politicos, particularly the opposition occasion leaders who must impress voters.

Learn Philip Authier’s evaluation.

6:55 p.m.

Celebration leaders are in prep mode as remaining Quebec election debate approaches

The leaders of the 5 primary events contesting the Quebec election took a break from the marketing campaign path Thursday to arrange for the second and remaining televised debate scheduled for 8 p.m.

It’s their final likelihood to make a widespread impression and probably enhance their political fortunes earlier than advance polls open Friday.

Learn our full story.

6:45 p.m.

Movies: QCGN welcomes Holness, Standish

They weren’t invited to the 2 French debates and plans for an English one fell aside after François Legault stated he wouldn’t participate.

However the Quebec Group Teams Community, which represents English-language neighborhood organizations, has held city halls with each Balarama Holness, chief of Bloc Montréal, and Colin Standish, chief of the Canadian Celebration of Quebec.

You may watch them beneath.

6:30 p.m.

What are the 5 main events collaborating in Quebec’s provincial election?

Right here’s a take a look at the 5 events vying to type Quebec’s subsequent authorities.

Learn our full story.

6:30 p.m.

Election Information: What you should know concerning the marketing campaign and voting

How do you verify when you’re on the electoral listing? Are you allowed to vote? When can ballots be forged?

Learn our full story.

6:30 p.m.

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