Daniel Breton

Daniel Breton is the Parti Québécois candidate for Sainte-Marie-Saint-Jacques.

Tuition Fees & University Fiscal Management

A PQ government would stop the Liberal government's tuition hikes and repeal Bill 78. "After that, we would hold a summit on universities," said Breton. "On the topic of funding, it seems there are management problems," he said.

"We're not against freezing fees, nor are we against free education, but everything has to be part of a national debate," said Breton. Reforming university governance would also be on the table. "Sometimes, one can wonder if people [on boards of governors] act in the interest of students or other interests," said Breton.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for students would also be discussed at the summit on universities, Breton said. "Current students, alumni, and future students will all be included, in a democratic and pro-citizen way, to decide what direction we should head in. This debate took place in the sixties, and it's time to do a new one," he said.

After the summit, the government would receive a number of recommendations. "The government will study it and say 'Here is what we propose, do you agree?' explained Breton.

Youth Unemployment

"Young people having difficulty finding a job after university is a problem that existed when I was young," said Breton.

According to Breton the main problem arises from the expectation that students will already have job experience when they graduate from university. "It's mathematically impossible," said Breton.

"The PQ wants to create a mentoring program so older people can transition toward retirement while helping young people to gain experience," he added.

Youth Vote

"What happened this spring is a good strategy to help students vote," Breton said. "I have a feeling that youth turnout is going to be up this fall," he added, but said that the overall problem is hard to solve.

Plan Nord

"Let's be clear: the Plan Nord does not exist," he said. Breton said Prime Minister Charest included mining into Plan Nord after the price of mining products increased, pushing companies to consider investing in Quebec.