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Philippe Couillard Biography

Premier of Quebec

Philippe Couillard is a Canadian politician who served as the Premier of Quebec. Born on June 26, 1957, he has a background in medicine and completed his medical degree at the University of Montreal.

Want Position Weakness Quebec

Author:Philippe Couillard

“Quebec's distinct character makes Canada an even better country, and vice versa: being in Canada makes Quebec a better place too.”

Country Character Vices Canada Better Place Vice Versa Quebec

Author:Philippe Couillard

“Quebecers are happy in Canada. We are benefiting economically and fiscally from belonging to Canada. We're proud of being Canadian. It's a great country. Everybody on Earth envies our Canadian citizenship.”

Country Earth Proud Envy Canada Belonging Citizenship Great Country

Author:Philippe Couillard

“I always remind Quebecers: hey, wait a minute - federalism works. If you look at the fiscal arrangements, the economic arrangements, the way the country works, if you compare it to other countries in the world, it's quite advantageous for Quebec.”

Ifs World Way Looks Country Waiting Economic Minutes Hey Compare Other Countries Arrangements Quebec Federalism

Author:Philippe Couillard

“I'm as proud and assertive in my Quebec identity as any Quebecer. I believe it's to Quebec's advantage to be part of the Canadian federation. But I will be extremely strong and forceful in defending Quebec's interests within Canada.”

Believe Strong I Believe Interest Identity Proud Advantage Canada Assertive Quebec Federation

Author:Philippe Couillard

“I often repeat three numbers: 20-23-26. Quebec generates only 20 per cent of Canada's wealth; it represents 23 per cent of the population, but it does 26 per cent of government spending in Canada. That's incompatible with good financial health over the long term.”

Long Doe Government Three Term Wealth Numbers Financial Population Spending Long Term Repeats Canada Cents Government Spending Quebec

Author:Philippe Couillard

“In Quebec, we can no longer increase taxes if we want to stay competitive.”

Ifs Want Taxes Increase Quebec

Author:Philippe Couillard

“You can't stop a reform in the middle. You do it completely and pretty fast, or you don't do it.”

Middle Reform

Author:Philippe Couillard

“We have to redesign the finances of the Quebec state to preserve what counts: education, health and families.”

States Finance Preserves Quebec Redesign

Author:Philippe Couillard

“I belong to a generation that had so many choices available. In 1970, when [former premier Robert] Bourassa launched the James Bay development project, nobody in Quebec asked whether we had the means to do it. Today could we launch another James Bay? Imagine the debates we'd have? We were a young, rich society with almost no debt. The generation that comes after us, and which will lead Quebec, must also have choices. And for that, they'll need financial manoeuvring room.”

Needs Mean Today Young Choices Rooms Rich Imagine Generations Development Projects Financial Available Debt Debate Former Quebec

Author:Philippe Couillard

“In Quebec, our goal isn't to reduce daycare service - a program the entire world envies - but to make it viable so tomorrow's families can keep benefiting from it.”

World Goal Tomorrow Program Envy Quebec Daycare

Author:Philippe Couillard

“Quebec's financial situation is serious. In terms of intensity, we're close to matching 1982 and 1997. We won't do the same things this time, but the problems we face today are about as pressing.”

Problem Today Faces Term Situation Serious Financial Intensity Matching Quebec

Author:Philippe Couillard

“A big mistake in politics is to think that because an issue appears to have been settled, it doesn't exist anymore. You just sweep it under the rug and pretend it doesn't exist.”

Thinking Has Beens Bigs Mistake Issues Big Mistake

Author:Philippe Couillard

“Not only in Canada but in other countries where we have to rely on immigration for our growth, the question of coexistence of values in communities is important. It has to be dealt with.”

Important Country Values Growth Community Immigration Rely Canada Other Countries Coexistence

Author:Philippe Couillard

“I think this is a line in the sand for many Quebecers and Canadians: That if you're going to give services or receive services, your face should be uncovered.”

Ifs Thinking Giving Should Faces Lines Sand Your Face Lines In The Sand

Author:Philippe Couillard

“I've repeated it 100 times and I'm going to look you in the eye, tonight, Mr. Couillard: there will be no referendum as long as Quebecers aren't ready.”

Looks Long Eye Ready Tonight Referendums

Author:Philippe Couillard

“Hey, the bait is here. Get in Quebecers, get in the lobster trap, and then we'll close the door. And you'll have a referendum no matter what.”

Matter Doors No Matter What Hey Traps Bait Lobster Referendums

Author:Philippe Couillard

About the Author

Born: June 26, 1957
Known for: Premier of Quebec
Quotes: 17

Books & Sources

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