2019 Federal Election Campaign: FCCQ Calls for Candidates to Respond to the Needs of Six Priority Sectors in Quebec's Changing Economy

QUEBEC CITY, May 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - In the context of major economic change impacting Quebec, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) has put forward 34 recommendations to accelerate the pace. With a federal election only months away, the FCCQ today released its proposals to federal political parties, with the expectation that issues affecting Quebec's economic growth and business dynamics will generate core commitments from candidates running for office. These recommendations are published as version 2.0 of the FCCQ Economic Development Plan: Accelerate the Pace at the Federal Level.

"Quebecers and businesses must be able to adapt to the changes that Quebec is undergoing, which also impact other Canadian provinces," said FCCQ president and CEO Stéphane Forget. "Measures to support the transition to digital infrastructure, improve productivity, and take immediate advantage of opportunities presented by the energy transition, are all crucial if Quebec and Canada are to continue enjoying economic growth."

"Our society is changing, and Canada's future government must commit itself to action that addresses these changes," Forget said. "Quebec companies must be able to operate in a business environment that not only takes these changes into account but also helps them meet the challenges that arise."

Recommendations target economic development in six priority areas
Labour is one of the most obvious challenges that the FCCQ is calling on federal political parties to meet, given the current labour shortages in Quebec. "With a rapidly aging population and a growing economy, Quebec businesses need all levels of government to take action in their respective spheres and come up with concrete solutions for maintaining an adequate supply of critically needed skilled workers," Forget said.

Tax issues and the state of public finances are also concerns raised by Quebec companies, which are urging the next federal government to take action on fair taxation for entrepreneurs, taxes on intangible services sold by foreign companies, and initiating the process to create a single income tax return.

Strong regions for strong nationwide economic growth
Regional economic development is also one of the major concerns of Quebec companies. They're asking federal political parties for their commitment to deliver high-speed internet access for all Quebec businesses and households, to start the VIA Rail high-frequency railway project, and to support dairy producers and processors facing global competition under recent trade agreements now in effect.

There are also concerns about the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and the FCCQ wants the federal parties to take a position that will guarantee Quebec shipyards their fair share of naval contracts, particularly for upgrades to the Saint Lawrence icebreaker fleet. Airport infrastructure is every bit as essential as access by river, and the FCCQ is proposing a review of support and enhancement programs for regional airports.

Last, but by no means least, as the federal government prepares to implement a nationwide pharmacare insurance plan, the FCCQ maintains that the private sector can and should complement the public system. Private pharmacare plans also have their place among the benefits that companies can offer their employees. "A mixed public-private system of insurance coverage can make it possible to share the costs of high-priced drugs while ensuring access to care," Forget said, urging the federal government to consider the benefits of the existing system in Quebec.

Meeting changes today for a better Quebec and Canada of tomorrow
As with its Quebec economic development plan, the FCCQ federal election recommendations are based on input from its 17 working committees. "We're confident that when the political parties read this document, they will see that the consensus we've reached represents the real vision that Quebecers have for the years ahead," Stéphane Forget said. 

Accelerate the Pace at the Federal Level, presenting the FCCQ election proposals, is available online.

About the FCCQ 
With its extensive network of over 130 chambers of commerce and 1100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 50,000 companies in every economic sector across Quebec. As the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Quebec, the FCCQ is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce in its own right. Its members, whether chambers of commerce or companies, all share the same goal of promoting an innovative and competitive business environment.

SOURCE Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec