Quebec party leaders debate family and energy policies ahead of election

Opponents of Quebec’s Parti Québécois and Conservatives used Sunday’s campaign events to highlight what they see as shared positions on austerity, family policy and energy, with the election two weeks away. Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette warned that PQ Leader Paul StPierre Plamondon and Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime are aligned on spending cuts and what she described as pronatalist ideas. The PQ recently proposed bonuses for larger families, while the Conservatives have backed payments for families keeping young children at home. The PQ leader defended the plans as a way to support families facing high living costs and announced more subsidized daycare spaces. He also pushed back against claims that Quebecers are becoming more open to fracking, citing polling that shows strong local opposition to shale gas wells. Other party leaders also outlined campaign promises on forestry, housing and ports as the province moved closer to the Oct. 5 vote.