I belong to a generation that had so many choices available. In 1970, when [former premier Robert] Bourassa launched the James Bay development project, nobody in Quebec asked whether we had the means to do it. Today could we launch another James Bay? Imagine the debates we'd have? We were a young, rich society with almost no debt. The generation that comes after us, and which will lead Quebec, must also have choices. And for that, they'll need financial manoeuvring room.

Philippe Couillard

Categorized in : Needs Mean Choices

Hey, the bait is here. Get in Quebecers, get in the lobster trap, and then we'll close the door. And you'll have a referendum no matter what.

Philippe Couillard

bait doors lobster

I've repeated it 100 times and I'm going to look you in the eye, tonight, Mr. Couillard: there will be no referendum as long as Quebecers aren't ready.

Philippe Couillard

eye long looks

I'm as proud and assertive in my Quebec identity as any Quebecer. I believe it's to Quebec's advantage to be part of the Canadian federation. But I will be extremely strong and forceful in defending Quebec's interests within Canada.

Philippe Couillard

strong identity believe

I often repeat three numbers: 20-23-26. Quebec generates only 20 per cent of Canada's wealth; it represents 23 per cent of the population, but it does 26 per cent of government spending in Canada. That's incompatible with good financial health over the long term.

Philippe Couillard

government numbers long

Something I don't want to do, ever, is to put Quebec in a position of weakness.

Philippe Couillard

quebec weakness want

Not only in Canada but in other countries where we have to rely on immigration for our growth, the question of coexistence of values in communities is important. It has to be dealt with.

Philippe Couillard

growth community country

A big mistake in politics is to think that because an issue appears to have been settled, it doesn't exist anymore. You just sweep it under the rug and pretend it doesn't exist.

Philippe Couillard

issues mistake thinking

Quebec's financial situation is serious. In terms of intensity, we're close to matching 1982 and 1997. We won't do the same things this time, but the problems we face today are about as pressing.

Philippe Couillard

matching faces today

In Quebec, our goal isn't to reduce daycare service - a program the entire world envies - but to make it viable so tomorrow's families can keep benefiting from it.

Philippe Couillard

daycare envy goal

We have to redesign the finances of the Quebec state to preserve what counts: education, health and families.

Philippe Couillard

quebec finance states

You can't stop a reform in the middle. You do it completely and pretty fast, or you don't do it.

Philippe Couillard

middle reform

In Quebec, we can no longer increase taxes if we want to stay competitive.

Philippe Couillard

quebec increase want

I always remind Quebecers: hey, wait a minute - federalism works. If you look at the fiscal arrangements, the economic arrangements, the way the country works, if you compare it to other countries in the world, it's quite advantageous for Quebec.

Philippe Couillard

hey waiting country

Quebecers are happy in Canada. We are benefiting economically and fiscally from belonging to Canada. We're proud of being Canadian. It's a great country. Everybody on Earth envies our Canadian citizenship.

Philippe Couillard

envy earth country

Quebec's distinct character makes Canada an even better country, and vice versa: being in Canada makes Quebec a better place too.

Philippe Couillard

canada character country

I think this is a line in the sand for many Quebecers and Canadians: That if you're going to give services or receive services, your face should be uncovered.

Philippe Couillard

lines giving thinking

The bottom (line) is, oil will have to move, if it's not moving by pipeline, it's moving by rail. Is it really better by rail or safer by rail? I can tell you that in Quebec we have a different perspective on this.

Philippe Couillard

company-news

How is it possible that the Caisse can invest around the world, Australia, Vancouver and elsewhere in infrastructure, but for a reason that seems difficult for me to understand it is impossible in Quebec.

Philippe Couillard

industrials