Thousands protest Quebec budget
Related: Former premier Bill Vander Zalm rallies against the HST in BC | Athens erupts as Greek austerity plan passes | Anti-HST protest at Ontario legislature spills onto Toronto streets | Ontario Health Tax Review Called a ‘Sham’
CBC News
April 1, 2010
As Quebec’s finance minister was out promoting his budget at Montreal’s Board of Trade, thousands of people took to the streets to protest it.
Demonstrators said they are angry the government is asking them to pay more.
“We can’t afford that they keep raising the price on everything, “ said Shannon Cross, a single mother from Châteauguay, who was one of hundreds of protesters bussed in to Montreal for the demonstration.
“We’re paying the same price as people who have higher salaries.”
Tuesday’s budget included a new health-care fee – $25 a year as of 2010 with yearly increases to $200, and a possible health deductible in the future. Provincial sales tax and the fuel tax will both rise as well. The government also plans to increase tuition fees in 2012 and is considering an increase to raise hydroelectricity rates.
Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand told reporters he’s not surprised the new budget has been a tough sell.
“I understand the people,” said Bachand. “I understand their reaction. Because as a citizen, every time you’re asked to pay more you have a negative reaction. ”
Bachand argued the change is necessary in order to maintain social services.
“In the 21st century, if we want to preserve access to health, access to education and repair our roads, we need to realize that as a citizen when I use a state service there’s a cost. It’s not free. It’s $69 billion worth of services.”
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