(Quebec) Treasury Secretary Eric Girard broke with tradition on Monday, on the eve of presenting his fifth budget, by presenting a $5,000 donation to a Quebec community center.
Posted at 3:47pm
Caroline Plante The Canadian Press
Traditionally, the finance minister buys shoes on the eve of a budget. Last year, Mr. Girard donned “Performance” sneakers, intended to illustrate how well Quebec’s economy was performing.
In a press crowd Monday at the Patro Roc-Amadour in the Limoilou district, the minister indicated that the theme of the 2023-2024 budget is “An Engaged Quebec”.
He announced that his colleague, Family Minister Suzanne Roy, would also donate $5,000 to Patro Roc-Amadour, making a total of $10,000 to enable 50 children to go to day camp this summer.
This amount comes from the discretion of ministers. “It will be a new tradition where we give instead of buy,” Mr Girard said.
In addition, the Grand Treasurer announced that he had reserved more than 50 million in the budget, which will be given to the team of Dr. Gilles Julien to continue its work with underprivileged children.
dr Julien has been practicing social pediatrics for over 40 years. He is a doctor, clinician and researcher and President of the Fondation du Dr. Julien, who helps children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“He is someone who is making a difference for Quebec’s children every day, reaching children that in some cases our usual institutions cannot reach,” said Mr. Girard.
The minister added that this measure will help Dr. Julien will help “see more children” and “create other centers where there aren’t any”. Quebec currently has 45 centers offering social pediatrics in the community.
“We see 12,000 children in great difficulty,” said Dr. Julien. Today we cover maybe a third of the needs of children. The government’s commitment gives us the necessary wings to carry on.
“It’s a monumental gift that the government is finally recognizing us and taking better care of their children,” he added.