PSPP criticized over comments on federal public service cuts

Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is facing sharp criticism from both federalist and sovereigntist parties after suggesting there would be cuts to federal public servants in an independent Quebec.

St-Pierre Plamondon made the remarks during a Radio-Canada program Friday, where he took questions from viewers for an hour.

Asked about the role of federal public servants living in Gatineau in a sovereign Quebec, he said he wanted to be “very, very clear” that there would be reductions in the federal workforce.

He added that “transition measures” would be put in place for those whose jobs could not continue under independence.

The comments quickly drew backlash, including from Québec solidaire spokesperson Sol Zanetti, who called the prospect of job losses “a terrible political choice” that would undermine support for independence.

Writing on Facebook Saturday, Zanetti said the position breaks with the historic consensus of the sovereigntist movement.

In 1995, then-premier Jacques Parizeau had pledged to integrate all federal public servants living in Quebec into the province’s public service in the event of independence.

Zanetti said a Québec solidaire government would protect the jobs of all federal public servants residing in Quebec.

Quebec Liberal House Leader André Fortin also criticized the remarks, saying they depart from past Parti Québécois positions that aimed to preserve public sector expertise and jobs.

Fortin, who represents the Outaouais riding of Pontiac, said the proposal casts “a huge economic cloud” over the region.

Zanetti acknowledged independence could generate savings by eliminating federal positions outside Quebec, but said a new country would still need experienced workers to staff newly created ministries.

St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated his position Saturday, saying one goal of independence is to eliminate duplication between federal and provincial governments.

In a statement, he said the move could help fund public services and potentially reduce taxes, but would “necessarily” involve cutting some federal public service positions.

–With files from Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press