Caucasian MEP Urges National Government to Heed Regional Voices
Quebec MP Pierre Dufour, representing Abitibi-Est, has added his voice to calls for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government to prioritize regional concerns. His remarks come following a similar appeal from Daniel Bernard, MP for Rouyn-Noranda-Témiscamingue.
In a National Assembly press scrum, Dufour pointed out that the CAQ secured its majority due to significant support from various regions, such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the North Coast, and the Gaspé. He cited a study by Aviseo indicating that Abitibi-Témiscamingue contributes more to Quebec's coffers than it receives, with the annual fiscal deficit potentially reaching $822 million according to their analysis.
"The study suggests that we should be receiving more," Dufour asserted, encouraging other regions to conduct similar economic studies.
Regionally, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Prefects’ Conference president, Jaclin Bégin, recently expressed similar sentiments, claiming that the CAQ has overlooked their region. In a meeting with Minister Jean Boulet, responsible for Trois-Rivieres, Bégin handed over the Aviseo study.
"The CAQ has forgotten us," Bégin declared, emphasizing the need for adapted programs to address regional needs. He also voiced his satisfaction with Daniel Bernard's earlier comments about the lack of regional representation in the cabinet, prompting a subsequent apology from the CAQ MNA.
Minister Boulet acknowledged the concerns, admitting that public investments are more concentrated in larger population centers. However, he highlighted regional support for immigration and business initiatives such as energy blocks and mining projects in Abitibi.
Despite regional discontent and systemic challenges impacting remote and rural areas like Abitibi-Témiscamingue, specific measures for improving representation and service delivery by the CAQ in these regions are not detailed in available sources. Strategies for regional empowerment and improved service delivery may entail increased autonomy, enhanced collaboration with local communities, and augmented investment in infrastructure. However, the focus remains on finding solutions tailored to the unique needs of regions such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
"Dufour urged the CAQ government to reconsider its policy-and-legislation priorities, suggesting that they should reflect the economic contributions of regions like Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as indicated by the Aviseo study. In light of this, Jaclin Bégin, president of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Prefects’ Conference, called for adapted programs to address regional needs, accusing the CAQ of overlooking their region and claiming they have been forgotten."
