Parties talk taxes, trade war and parental leave on Day 2 of Quebec election campaign

Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette faced criticism from her opponents on Friday as issues of taxation, parental leave, and the U.S. trade war dominated the first full day of campaigning during Quebec's election.

Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pledged to cut taxes for Quebec businesses by 20% in his first term if his party wins the October 5th election. He highlighted the Northvolt electric battery plant cancellation as evidence of the Coalition Avenir Québec government's "economic interventionism." Fréchette, who was energy minister when the project was abandoned, vowed to stop subsidizing foreign multinationals and focus on Quebec small and medium-sized businesses.

Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard addressed the ongoing trade war, aiming to reduce the share of Quebec exports going to the United States by at least 15% by diversifying markets. He defended his party against a new poll indicating loss of support and suggested federalists could benefit from a leader who doesn't shy away from advocating Quebec's affiliation with Canada.

Milliard noted that several cabinet ministers who have declined to declare their stance on a potential sovereignty referendum don't represent true federalists.

Fréchette proposed enhancing the Quebec parental insurance plan to grant fathers two extra weeks of leave, alongside increased flexibility and bereavement leave. These measures could be implemented without raising premiums. She faced attacks from her rivals but took the offensive, visiting the Bellechasse riding south of Quebec City, where Conservative leader Éric Duhaime is competing.

Duhaime unveiled a "historic" tax cut, raising the basic personal amount in Quebec's income tax brackets from $18,952 to $35,242. He also targeted Fréchette, claiming the real threat over the past eight years is her leadership when questioned about voter support turning toward the CAQ leader amid the U.S. trade war.