(Quebec) The Minister of Finance, Eric Girard, broke with tradition on Monday, on the eve of the tabling of his fifth budget, by presenting a donation of $ 5,000 to a community center in Quebec.

Tradition has it that the Minister of Finance buys shoes on the eve of a budget. Last year, Mr. Girard donned “performance” sneakers meant to illustrate the good performance of the Quebec economy.

In a press scrum at the Patro Roc-Amadour in the borough of Limoilou on Monday, the minister indicated that the theme of the 2023-2024 budget is “A committed Quebec”.

He announced that his colleague, Family Minister Suzanne Roy, would also donate $5,000 to Patro Roc-Amadour, for a total of $10,000, so that 50 children can go to day camp this summer. .

This amount comes from the ministers’ discretionary envelope. “It will be a new tradition where, rather than buying, we will give,” Mr. Girard said.

In addition, the great treasurer announced that he had reserved in the budget more than 50 million which will be given to the team of Dr. Gilles Julien, so that it can continue its work with disadvantaged children.

Dr. Julien has been practicing social pediatrics for over 40 years. A doctor, clinician and researcher, he is president of the Fondation du Dr Julien, which helps children from vulnerable backgrounds.

“He is someone who makes a difference every day for the children of Quebec, who reaches children who, in some cases, our usual institutions cannot reach,” said Mr. Girard.

The Minister added that this measure will help Dr. Julien to “see more children” and to “create other centers where there are none”. Quebec currently has 45 centers that provide social pediatrics in the community.

“We see 12,000 children in big trouble,” Dr. Julien said. We cover perhaps a third of the needs of children today. The government’s commitment gives us wings to continue.

“It’s a monumental gift that the government is finally acknowledging us and taking better care of their children,” he added.