After Bernard Drainville, it was the turn of his rival in the CAQ race, Christine Fréchette, to propose to “fully and permanently reimburse the carbon tax paid by agricultural producers”.
The candidate to succeed François Legault argues that farmers must stop being disadvantaged “compared to their competitors elsewhere in the country.”
“This reimbursement will give them the necessary oxygen to invest in their businesses and continue to do what they do best, which is to feed Quebec,” she said in a statement Thursday.
Christine Fréchette also wants to help young people who choose agriculture by increasing the “Financial Support Program for the Next Generation of Farmers” by 30 per cent. The maximum assistance would therefore be raised to $65,000.
She also plans to reduce red tape and simplify government programs “to allow producers to devote more time to their work.”
“It is worth remembering that the administrative burden (multiplication of forms, authorization delays, inconsistencies between ministries and redundant requirements) remains one of the major irritants for agricultural producers. Despite the initiatives already announced, regulatory requirements continue to take up considerable time, delay projects and generate additional costs,” explains the candidate.
On Tuesday, the two candidates for the CAQ leadership pledged to return to Quebecers the extra money collected by the government due to the surge in gasoline prices caused by the war in Iran.
The next leader of the CAQ will be known on April 12.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
