Voters in Quebec are gearing up for the upcoming provincial election on Monday. The candidates were questioned about their perspectives on the Outaouais region, its challenges, and the opportunities arising from its proximity to Ontario. Out of the five parties, four provided responses. Let’s delve into their insights.
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) candidate, Mathieu Lévesque, highlighted the party’s efforts to boost investment in the Outaouais region, aiming to align it with other areas in Quebec. The CAQ also committed to supporting healthcare workers, constructing a new health hub, and initiating the groundwork for a new hospital.
On the other hand, the Conservative Party of Quebec did not respond to interview requests from CBC but has candidates running in all five ridings within the region.
The Liberal Party of Quebec pledged to achieve pay parity for healthcare workers in the Outaouais compared to their counterparts in Ontario. Additionally, they aim to bridge the healthcare funding gap with other regions and enhance economic prospects by positioning the Outaouais as a business hub connecting Ottawa and Ontario.
Representing the Parti Québécois, candidate Raphaël Déry emphasized the party’s historical contributions to the Outaouais region, particularly in infrastructure development. The party seeks to address the lack of investment in local infrastructure and enhance decision-making processes to retain healthcare professionals in the area.
Mariève Forest, the Québec Solidaire candidate, emphasized improving working conditions and public services in the Outaouais to attract and retain talent within the region. Forest highlighted the importance of providing competitive pay and conducive work environments to prevent workforce migration to Ontario.
Overall, each party presents distinct strategies and priorities for addressing the challenges and opportunities in the Outaouais region, reflecting a range of perspectives on its development and prosperity.
