François Legault has drawn the ire of many public sector unions after hinting that the next budget will likely be in deficit due to upcoming collective agreements.
In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the De La Jonquière Education Association felt they wanted to target teachers to explain the lack of money in state coffers.
“We took it as a project. So this is what we're condemning, and we shouldn't be blamed,” union president Nicole Emond condemned.
Upset by the Prime Minister's words, he feels that education has been reduced to statistics and expenditure.
The union would have liked to feel that François Legault was behind the school staff and that he was willing to continue to improve things.
“He has heard our cry from the heart and he is ready to continue working with us because we have said that this negotiation will not solve everything. There are still issues and challenges to be overcome,” said Ms Emond.
Same story with nurses
François Legault's comments added fuel to the fire among nurses who are still negotiating.
The Interprofessional Health Federation of Quebec (FIQ) in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean expects the next discussions to be very difficult in this tense environment.
Its leader, Julie Bowen, called on the Prime Minister to put money into the health system.
“When he talks about investment in construction, infrastructure or projects like Northwold, he's not talking about financial outcomes, but he's talking about investments. What we expect from the CAQ government is that it invests in the health of its own employees to improve sanitary conditions,” he agreed.
Nurses have made it clear that they will not agree to a concession agreement with François Legault, despite the budget shortfall being announced.
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