National assembly resumes amid election speculation

The Quebec legislature resumes sitting this afternoon, with talk of an April election swirling in the air.

It will also mark the return of Quebec Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard to the national assembly, after his victory in an Outremont by-election on Dec. 9.

He spent five years as health minister in Jean Charests government, but this is his first time to sit on the Opposition's benches.

Couillard has come out of winter break swinging, demanding the finance minister present a budget before Premier Pauline Marois calls an election.

We thinkMaroisis not managing the province the way she should be.- CAQleader Franois Legault

He said Quebecers are entitled to know the truth about the state of the provinces finances.

They have created a very negative, negative climate in the economy and finances while embarking on sideshows the charter and now the white paper on separation, he said.

If re-elected with a majority, Marois has promised her party would consult with Quebecers on whether the province should hold another referendum on independence.

CAQ gets ready

On the weekend, Coalition Avenir Quebec launched a new campaign asserting a stance on the secular charter similar toCouillards that the debate is drawing attention away from the economy.

• Quebec election talk ramps up at PQ caucus in Shawinigan

Party Leader Franois Legault said the Parti Qubcois has mismanaged the provinces finances by raising taxes.

"We think Marois is not managing the province the way she should be, Legault said.

When you look at the growth, the poor growth we have in Quebec, the main reason is the consumption is not there because people, they dont have any money to spend, he continued.

He said that the CAQ would lower taxes if it were inpower something that could be seen as a thinly veiled campaign promise.

The CAQ is not the only party that appears to be in election mode. Many saw Marois's recent tour around the regions as an attemptto court voters.

An election could be called in four weeks and held as early as April at this point, since MNAs are back at the national assembly for two weeks starting Tuesday, then get another two-week break in their respective ridings.

Liberals already on defence

A Quebec Liberal member of the national assembly who predicted on Monday that thePQ's wouldwin the next election has been backtracking since last night.

VerdunMNAHenri-FrancoisGautrinsaid Monday that thesovereigntistparty could even form a majority government.

Gautrin, a member of the legislature since 1989, warned that the PhilippeCouillard-ledLiberals could be confined to the Opposition backbenches for a few more years yet.

Recent polls have suggested thePQhad a significant lead among French-speaking voters, who decide the majority of the province's 125ridings.

Gautrinbased his scenario on theCAQslosing support and having it gobbled up mainly by thePQ.

Current standings in the national assembly are: PQ, 54; Liberals, 49; Coalition, 18; Quebec Solidaire, 2; Independents, 2.