Bloc Québécois prepared to secure benefits for Quebec in return for backing Liberals

The Bloc Québécois is prepared to negotiate with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government in exchange for support during confidence votes now that the Liberal government’s confidence and supply agreement with the NDP has expired.

The Quebec-based Bloc emphasized that this support will come at a cost, and the sovereigntist party, led by Yves-François Blanchet, has already outlined a list of requirements.

In anticipation of the party caucus retreat in the Outaouais region, Bloc House Leader Alain Therrien expressed his satisfaction in reclaiming a position of power.

“Our goals remain unchanged, but achieving them will now be much easier,” said Therrien. “We will engage in negotiations to secure benefits for Quebec… our leverage has significantly improved.”

He described the current situation as a “window of opportunity” now that the Liberals are officially a minority government following the dissolution of the confidence and supply agreement with the New Democratic Party.

While the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre have indicated plans for multiple confidence votes to trigger a general election, the Bloc’s strategy is to utilize their newfound influence to secure gains for Quebec instead of rushing to the polls.

A confidential Bloc strategist stated that the NDP has effectively relinquished their balance of power to the Bloc. The Bloc assumes that in the upcoming federal election, likely within a year or less, the Conservative Party under Poilievre will secure a majority government, as indicated by polling trends.

The source mentioned that Quebec’s impact on the election outcome may be minimal, with the Bloc aiming to gain seats from the Liberals while the Conservatives seek to capitalize on the Bloc’s support.

According to University of Ottawa political scientist Geneviève Tellier, the Bloc’s influence is greatest in a minority government scenario, making the recent agreement termination favorable for them.

The Bloc’s agenda includes securing royal recommendation for Bill C-319 to equalize pensions for seniors aged 65 to 74 with those aged 75 and above, along with obtaining more authority in immigration matters and reclaiming owed funds for Quebec.

Therrien expressed confidence in negotiating these demands, emphasizing the importance of these issues to the Bloc.

Additionally, the Bloc aims to reduce funding for oil companies, increase healthcare funds for provinces, and address Ottawa’s overreach into provincial jurisdictions.