Qubec Solidaire would end oil dependence by 2030

Qubec Solidaireco-spokerspersonFranoise David says her party wants Quebec to be the world leader in ending dependence on oilby 2030.

• Quebec Votes

"Qubec Solidaire is offering a choice: reduce our dependence on oil by creating jobs and wealth across our territory, because refusing this vital shift is to submit ourselves to severe economic and ecological consequences," David said at a news conference in Montreal on Monday.

She said a Qubec Solidaire government wouldinvest $23 million inpublic transit andeco-friendly innovations, in order to fuel the province's shift away from an oil-based economy.

She said that money wouldcreate160,000 jobs over the next fiveyears, including:

• 10,000 new jobs in public transportation.
• 145,000 new jobs in construction.
• New jobs in green technology.

The party also promised$1,000 taxrebatesfor families thatdecreasetheir oil consumption.

Qubec Solidairesaid the switch to more clean energy sources would translate into $920 million in additional revenues for Hydro-Qubec by 2020.

CAQsaysformer governments played favourites

On Monday, Coalition Avenir Qubec Leader Franois Legault focused on government transparency and corruption.

Legault accused formerPQand Liberal governments of rewarding their supporters with patronage appointments.

He saidhis government would appoint high-ranking officials based on their skills andnot on their political friendships.

The CAQ leader said his government would ensure that all high-ranking nominations are vetted byanational assembly committee.

PQreviews its health care platform

Campaigning in Laval today, Pauline Marois highlighted her party'shealth care initiatives.

She went overhergovernment's recentcommitments, emphasizing promisedincreases to the $976 million health-care budget.

"We have invested in home care, in access to family doctors. Today 323,000 moreQuebecershave access to a family practitioner," Maroissaid.

She said her government would alsounveil a mental health action plan and work to improve theearly detection of autism in children.

Liberals promise tax credit for active seniors

Improving the lives ofQuebecseniors was the issue of theday for the Quebec Liberal Party.

Philippe Couillardsaid he wants to encourageQuebec's senior citizens to keep active by offering them a tax credit towards recreational activities.

Couillardwas inLaval's Chomedey district, a Liberal stronghold, to make the announcement.

He said a Liberal government wouldintroduce a tax credit of up to 20 per cent that would cover up to $200 towardsports and cultural activities for older people who have an income of $40,000 or less.

Couillardmade several other commitments, including:

• Establishing a loan program for homeowners who are 60 andolder, to help them pay for school and property taxes (forhouseholds with an income of $70,000 or less.)
• Providing compassionate leave and tax creditsfor caregivers.
• Investing $150 million over five years towards morehome-care services for seniors to remain autonomous.

Couillard said his party's initiatives would help prevent Quebec seniors from becoming isolated.

"This will allow our aged population to develop new skills, mitigatethe effects of aging and maintain their social network," he said.