“The riding of Huntingdon must have a strong voice in Quebec City,” said Connor Stacey, the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) candidate for the riding. “I know the strengths of this region, but also the frustrations experienced by our entrepreneurs, our farmers, our families, and our municipalities,” he explained.
In terms of the current economic climate, Stacey said he would prioritize giving businesses the means to continue investing and creating jobs in the riding while offering some breathing room as well.
“Huntingdon sits on the U.S. border; our geographic position should be an economic advantage, not a vulnerability. We must help our businesses diversify their markets, strengthen Quebec’s supply chains, and benefit from public procurement opportunities,” he said.
To do this, the Liberals will increase the preference given to Quebec suppliers, promote products manufactured here, and reduce government payment delays, all while working to reduce paperwork and increase support for entrepreneurs.
This includes producers now dealing with an uncertain economy and climate. “We do not want to ask more of producers without giving them the means to adapt,” said Stacey. The PLQ wants to reinvest $560 million over four years in agriculture. The plan includes modernizing financial tools, reforming the Financière Agricole, facilitating farm transfers, and better adapting programs to both regional and climate realities.
Stacey explained that public infrastructure and services must also keep up with change as communities balance new families with ageing populations. In health care, the PLQ will bring services closer to residents by integrating telehealth into frontline care, all while investing in health facilities, and attracting and retaining health professionals.
“In education, our priority will be to give teachers and school staff more time and resources,” said Stacey. This would involve adding 1,000 specialized professionals to schools, reducing bureaucracy, prioritizing staff retention, and investing in infrastructure.
“Our riding has enormous potential,” said Stacey. “However, for this potential to be realized, Quebec needs to be more present on the ground.”