Quebec Election: What Are the Five Main Parties Promising Ahead of Oct. 3 Vote?

From left, Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Francois Legault, Quebec Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade, Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Quebec Solidaire Leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois and Quebec Conservative Leader Eric Duhaime pose on set prior to a leaders debate in Montreal, on Sept. 22, 2022. The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz

The Quebec election is on Oct. 3, and for the first time, five parties have a chance of winning at least one seat in the 125-seat legislature. Here is where the parties stand on some major themes.

Economy and Cost of Living

The Coalition Avenir Québec is promising to cut income taxes by a total of 2.5 percent over 10 years, with a first cut affecting to the two lowest tax brackets in 2023. The party is also promising to cut cheques this year for up to $600 for about 6.4 million Quebecers. Party leader François Legault says if re-elected, the CAQ would also spend $1.8 billion on social and affordable housing in the next mandate.

The Quebec Liberal party is promising to cut income taxes for the two lowest tax brackets and raise them for the “super rich.” It is also committing to abolishing the Quebec sales tax on the first $4,000 of annual electricity bills and on certain basic necessities such as toothpaste, shampoo and certain medications.