For decades, Quebec’s economy and the state of its public finances have been judged in comparison with Ontario. Catching up with its neighbour was a worthwhile goal, promoted by many. Over the past few years, the differences between the two most populous provinces have indeed been reduced. However, while the picture has improved somewhat in Quebec, including recent fiscal prudence on the part of the government, this narrowing of the gap does not so much reflect Quebec’s good performance as it does Ontario’s gradual decline.

Ontario is following the Quebec model with increasingly high levels of spending, taxation and indebtedness.

Ontario is following the Quebec model with increasingly high levels of spending, taxation and indebtedness.

Subcontracting certain auxiliary tasks performed by police officers to security agents would allow a reduction in the cost of police services.

Quebec now has a budget surplus.

Deficits have eroded Alberta's advantage.

Quebec now has a budget surplus.

The Quebec public sector's debt.

Reactions to Quebec facing a budgetary surplus.

Why do hockey players make so much money?