Québec, April 8, 2009 − The Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for Infrastructure, Monique Jérôme-Forget, is leaving politics after a ten-year career during which she held, among others, the positions of Minister of Finance, Chair of the Conseil du trésor and Minister of Government Services. She has been the MNA for Marguerite-Bourgeoys since November 30, 1998.

“Today, I am announcing that I am leaving politics. I take great pride in having been able to serve Quebecers for more than ten years. A passion for getting things done, in the public interest, to prepare Québec’s future and contribute to its influence, both here and abroad: for me, that has been the beacon that has guided my actions,” Ms. Jérôme-Forget said.

Minister Jérôme-Forget is leaving office with a feeling of mission accomplished. Three major achievements make her especially proud of her work as MNA and minister. First, she settled the pay equity issue. The settlement enabled 360 000 women in Québec to obtain a pay equity correction.Equal pay for equal work. We put an end to an injustice that had lasted for forty years. Had this been my only reason for entering politics, it would have been worth it,” Ms. Jérôme-Forget pointed out.

She also brought forward the Québec Infrastructures Plan. “I am proud of having created a decision-making framework that, over the long term, will ensure that our schools, hospitals, cultural facilities, bridges and roads are upgraded so that our children and grandchildren will not be ashamed of the legacy they will inherit. Indeed, it is thanks to this major initiative announced in 2007 that Québec has been able to come through the turmoil of the recession with less difficulty than our neighbours. This $42-billion plan was possible thanks to the contribution of a visionary deputy minister, Luc Meunier,” Ms. Jérôme-Forget mentioned.

Third, the Minister is proud of her record in managing spending. “Disciplined management of public monies has put Québec at the forefront, as the province that has best been able to control its public spending while keeping the budget balanced.” Ms. Jérôme-Forget also mentioned the importance of the decision by the rating agencies Moody’s and DBRS to raise Québec’s credit rating to its best level in many years, while she was Chair of the Conseil du trésor. “That’s the best report card you can get,” she noted.

The Minister can point to other achievements, in particular reducing the size of the public service by replacing only one employee for every two who left. “By reducing the size of the state, we are saving $1 billion on a recurring basis,” Ms. Jérôme-Forget pointed out.

The Minister is also proud of ten projects being carried out by public-private partnerships. She said: “The agence des PPP du Québec is so professional that many governments have taken it as a model.”

“I am leaving in the knowledge that the Montréal Symphony Orchestra will have its concert hall, that two university hospitals will make Québec into a world centre of excellence in health sciences, that our hospitals, schools, roads and bridges will be refurbished and repaired.

To date, I have tabled three budgets and two economic updates. The first two budgets were balanced, thanks to my foresight, despite tax cuts for both individuals and businesses. Indeed, we closed 2008 with a balanced budget, in contrast to our neighbours that have posted large deficits.

I am very happy to have directed the first budget of this third mandate. Yes, there will be a deficit, but the state must assume the role demanded by the current situation. In this budget, I identified possible solutions for returning to balanced budgets within five years. It will take courage, perseverance and discipline,” Ms. Jérôme-Forget stated.

“I want to conclude by thanking the Premier of Québec, Jean Charest, who warmly invited me to join his team. I thank him for giving me the opportunity to take up the greatest challenge of my career and for having confidence in me.

You will understand that I am returning to a normal life, with my family, which for me is what is most precious in life. I will be able to visit my grandchildren, look after my godchild and especially rejoin a generous spouse with whom I have passed my entire adult life and to whom I now intend to devote myself completely. Lastly, I expect to take up new challenges, like learning Spanish,” Ms. Jérôme-Forget concluded.

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