Charest's economics called into question

This is from the Star. Charest seems to have borrowed Harper's playbook on many issues including the idea that he will be a Great Helmsman during coming rocky seas. At the same time he is trying to make his economic performance better than it has actually been it would seem.
The ADQ (Acting Dimwits of Quebec) sounds to be a very reactionary group in that they want to sell off part of Quebec hydro to make it look as if they are being financially responsible but in fact letting investor contributors in a good profit making deal. It seems as if their fortunes are waning and the PQ may be coming back somewhat.

Charest's economics called into question TheStar.com - Canada - Charest's economics called into question
Premier's plan to win majority based on finances falters as opposition doubts claim of huge reserve
November 07, 2008 Andrew ChungQUEBEC BUREAU CHIEF
MONTREAL–One day down and already Quebec Premier Jean Charest's call to Quebecers to give him a majority based on his sound management of the economy has been dented over doubts about those very finances.
The controversy sucked some wind from Charest's gleeful sails yesterday as he tried to unveil more interventionist measures his government would undertake to stimulate the economy during a global financial crisis – including a hike in minimum wage and billions more for infrastructure to create jobs.
What Quebec's two opposition leaders question is Charest's claim to having a $2.3 billion reserve, which has allowed the government to forecast a zero deficit for this fiscal year and the next.
The province's auditor general, Renaud Lachance, cast doubt on the existence of that reserve earlier this week, pointing out that Quebec had a $5.8 billion deficit at the end of March 2007. He wouldn't divulge, however, what his own report on the state of Quebec's finances reveals. The report is typically released each fall, but when Charest called a provincial election Tuesday, the release was shelved.
Quebecers go to the polls Dec. 8.
Much rosier numbers than the auditor general's could undermine Charest's credibility on having managed Quebec's finances with "rigour," exactly the situation the opposition parties, which are down in the polls, hope for.
Both Action démocratique du Québec Leader Mario Dumont and Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois revealed yesterday they have sent letters to Lachance authorizing him to release his report. All three party leaders would have to agree to have the information released. "The numbers are all known," Charest said at a news conference in Montreal yesterday after repeated questioning on the matter, adding, "We have hid nothing."
Charest explained that the finance minister worked with the auditor general to impose accepted accounting standards on Quebec's finances, but legislation to shift the deficit into long-term debt was defeated in the National Assembly.
Charest said that when the Liberals were elected in 2003, the federal government announced it had given Quebec $3 billion too much and demanded it back. Quebec made a deal to pay it back in 10 years.
"The auditor general said it's necessary that we take the $3 billion and put it in the books this year. It's not true we're going to put that in the books this year with a balanced budget law. That means I'd have to cut $3 billion in services."
Charest tried to keep the focus on his economic plan, which he unveiled yesterday at a luncheon with a Montreal business audience.
For infrastructure, $4 billion more through 2013 for a total of $41 billion, which Charest said will help create 100,000 new jobs. For companies to access capital, $1 billion for its investment arm, the Société générale de financement. And an increase to the minimum wage by $1, to $9.50 per hour, over two years.
Also unveiling economic measures yesterday, Dumont promised to privatize 7.5 per cent of the giant Hydro-Québec, which would net $10 billion and help Quebec pay down its debt, which stands at about $150 billion. Marois proposed a $600 million plan that includes sending a $200 cheque to poor families, tax aid for home loans, and guaranteed loans for businesses.