The Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) acknowledges the election of a Parti Québécois minority government and invites all elected officials and opposition parties to get to work quickly and work together for the common good of all Quebecers, regardless of political affiliation. The tariff war, the rising cost of living, the housing and homelessness crisis, violence against women, climate change, and demographic challenges are just a few of the issues that require immediate attention.
« Quebecers remain deeply attached to a society that takes care of its people, in a Quebec where everyone can live with dignity. Our public networks certainly need attention, but an escalation of cuts is not what will ensure the public gets better services at a better cost, » states FTQ President Magali Picard.
To achieve this, the Quebec government must resume social dialogue with civil society, including union organizations.
« The verdict of this election clearly shows that the divisive and oppositional policies of the former government were rejected by Quebecers. The FTQ recalls that the most democratic societies are those with the highest unionization rates. It is thanks in part to the quality of social dialogue that modern Quebec was built, and it is by continuing in this vein that we will be able to face the challenges ahead, » adds FTQ President Magali Picard.
The FTQ calls on elected officials to get to work quickly.
« The new government must repeal laws passed without consultation that attack workers. Here, we are talking more specifically about Bill 14, which breaks the balance of power during collective agreement negotiations by limiting the right to strike, and Bill 4 on governance, which interferes in the democratic life of unions, » demands FTQ General Secretary Olivier Carrière.
The government must also work, in collaboration with all actors of civil society, to implement a genuine Quebec industrial policy that builds on our strengths and values. For the FTQ, the Quebec government must act as a conductor and rely on Quebec’s resources and assets to free ourselves from our dependence on the United States.
« The result of this election also confirms that it is high time to reform the electoral system so that everyone can be fairly represented in the National Assembly based on the percentage of votes obtained by each party. When a government breaks its word, as has been the case too often on this issue, it only fuels public cynicism toward elected officials, » conclude the union leaders.