Priority given to tax reduction, quality of life, regional development, innovation, and youth
Québec City, October 11, 2017. – Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard implemented changes to his Cabinet today. He took this opportunity to unveil the priorities that will guide the government’s actions in the coming months.
In the last three years, the Government of Quebec has made major changes in order to revive the Quebec economy, redress our public finances and modernize and reinvest in public services by focusing on improved access to health care and the academic success of our youth. The tax burden has been reduced, notably by eliminating the health tax.
“The efforts we’ve deployed in the last years have gained recognition across Canada and throughout the world. We are well-positioned to confront the challenges ahead. Our economy is strong, the unemployment rate is at an all-time low, and the quality and number of jobs is on the rise. Today, I present a strong, dynamic team that combines experience with youth. They will work hard to defend the interests of Quebecers and are ready to tackle the main issues Quebecers face on a daily basis,” said the Premier.
Over the coming months, the Government will act on five key issues:
- Reduction of the tax burden
- The quality of life of individuals and families
- Innovation
- The vitality of our regions
- Youth
“By taking action on these specific issues, we hope to fulfill Quebecers’ aspirations. The transformation that we want to see for Quebec can be found in the hearts of Quebecers, workers and families. It can be found in the strength of our entrepreneurs and our SMEs. It is built on renewed confidence,” stated the Premier.
The Cabinet — Key points
- Six new ministers have been appointed to the Cabinet.
- The number of ministers aged younger than 45 has doubled.
- Nine ministers had their responsibilities modified.
Here are the responsibilities entrusted to the members of his team:
Dominique Anglade
Deputy Premier
Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation
Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
Jean-Marc Fournier
Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie
Government House Leader
Carlos Leitão
Minister of Finance
Stéphanie Vallée
Minister of Justice
Minister responsible for the Outaouais region
Pierre Moreau
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for Plan Nord
Minister responsible for the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region
Lise Thériault
Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and Housing
Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region
Stéphane Billette
Minister responsible for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development
André Fortin
Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification
Pierre Arcand
Minister responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review
Chair of the Conseil du trésor
Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord
Marie Montpetit
Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language
Gaétan Barrette
Minister of Health and Social Services
Luc Fortin
Minister of Families
Minister responsible for the Estrie region
Sébastien Proulx
Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports
Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region
Hélène David
Minister responsible for Higher Education
Minister responsible for the Status of Women
David Heurtel
Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness
Martin Coiteux
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy
Minister of Public Security
Minister responsible for the Montréal region
Isabelle Melançon
Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change
François Blais
Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity
Julie Boulet
Minister of Tourism
Minister responsible for the Mauricie region
Laurent Lessard
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region
Kathleen Weil
Minister responsible for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions
Minister responsible for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers
Christine St-Pierre
Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie
Minister responsible for the Laurentides region
Robert Poëti
Minister for the Integrity of Public Markets and Information Resources
Geoffrey Kelley
Minister responsible for Native Affairs
Dominique Vien
Minister responsible for Labour
Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region
Deputy Government House Leader
Luc Blanchette
Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks
Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region
Véronyque Tremblay
Minister for Transport
Francine Charbonneau
Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying
Minister responsible for the Laval region
Lucie Charlebois
Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living
Minister responsible for the Montérégie region
Jean D’Amour
Minister for Maritime Affairs
Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region
Also participating in the Cabinet:
Nicole Ménard
Chief Government Whip
Filomena Rotiroti
Chair of the Government Caucus
