Jean-François Gosselin wants to have a clear picture of the state of Quebec City’s finances and calls for an “economic update”, in the wake of Minister Andrée Laforest’s declaration, which prohibits cities from making a deficit.
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During a press briefing on Thursday morning, the leader of the official opposition at Quebec City Hall reiterated his request for a plenary session by September 30, with senior city officials, to make update on the financial impacts of the health crisis.
“We are not in panic mode today, but we want to know the state of the current situation. We want to know if the boat is currently sailing in cloudy water, if we are in calm water or in the middle of a storm. And if there is a second wave in the fall, is the City well prepared? ” did he declare.
“It is the world’s money, and citizens have the right to know the state of play. The situation is worrying in Quebec, but it is the case everywhere, it is the case for the finances of the cities, but also for the transport companies ”, he added, saying that he fears cuts that could affect services to citizens.
“The mayor had spoken of surgical cuts [en mai]. We want him to give us examples, added Mr. Gosselin. The mayor, what he said three months ago, it is certain that it has evolved. If there is a deficit, what is the extent of that deficit and what is the game plan? The mayor has already announced a tax freeze for next year, so what will be the impacts? ”
Deficit of $ 40 to $ 65 million
Last May, Régis Labeaume was already anticipating a hole of $ 40 to $ 65 million for the current year, not to mention the losses of $ 25 to $ 35 million for the RTC. Over two years, he forecast a shortfall of $ 215 million due to the pandemic. The mayor nevertheless said he wanted to spare services to citizens. He was planning cuts “everywhere” and hoped for help from the state to replenish his coffers.
The government of Quebec then announced emergency aid of $ 400 million to transportation companies in the province, including the RTC, which had to continue to provide an essential service despite the dramatic drop in ridership. This aid was, however, considered insufficient.
The mayor’s office did not wish to react on Thursday to the exit of the leader of Quebec 21.
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