Karl's Economic Vision

QLP Leadership Race: Karl Blackburn Wants to Cut Red Tape and Ensure Economic Projects Are Approved Within a Year

Montreal, May 3, 2025 –

Today, Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidate, Karl Blackburn, presented his economic vision for Quebec, including proposals to facilitate the development of economic projects both in Montreal and throughout Quebec’s regions. Among his propositions is eliminating the red tape that hinders commercial growth and speeding up the approval processes for investment projects, which are far too slow.

“The State’s economic role is first and foremost to avoid hindering the business sector and provide a predictable framework that is conducive to growth. The cost and complexity of doing business in Quebec are far too high. The business environment must change. In light of the current context, we need to align and accelerate the multiple project evaluation and approval processes. My objective is that within a year of submitting a project, investors will know whether or not they can move forward,” Karl Blackburn declared.

Drawing on his professional experience in the business world and inspired by consultations he held during his tour of Quebec’s regions, in addition to the work undertaken by QLP institutions, Karl Blackburn is offering Liberal members an economic vision that is built around four main pillars:

• create the best business environment for economic growth

• address three main economic issues facing contemporary Quebec: labour shortage, productivity, and market diversification

• revive our industrial policies and regional development

• restore healthy public finances
  

The facts are clear: Quebec is currently on the wrong economic path, which is a direct result of decisions made by François Legault. The record-breaking budget deficit and Quebec’s recent credit downgrade have left the province vulnerable as it faces a trade war and a potential recession.

 

“In recent months, I have felt particularly compelled by what’s happening in Quebec, by how it is governed and by the threats now posed by the world around it. We need a strong economy and sound public finances to generate the wealth required to properly support our infrastructure, our regions, and our public services, particularly our education system,” said Karl Blackburn.

“The QLP and the province need to refocus on the economy and regional development. Adapting to change is not enough in our current circumstances—if we want to stand out from our competitors, we must anticipate change before it happens. We need a leader who can unite Quebecers, who has economic experience, who makes it a priority, and who firmly believes in the benefits of the Canadian federation and openness to the world,” concluded Karl Blackburn.

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DOWNLOAD AND TAKE A LOOK AT KARL'S ECONOMIC VISION HERE:

KB_Economic-vision.pdf

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