It’s a quiet day on the campaign trail Wednesday as the five main party leaders gear up for the final French-language debate ahead of election day. Voters are set to go to the polls on Oct. 5. Key details: Follow along for the latest updates: CAQ would implement ‘mega-deduction’ without increasing government spending Outgoing Finance Minister Eric Girard said the Coalition Avenir Québec plans to harmonize its tax system to incorporate the federal government’s “productivity mega-deduction” at no cost. At a press conference in Montreal on Wednesday, Girard praised the measure announced on Sept. 15 by federal Finance Minister François Philippe-Champagne, although he maintains that he should have been consulted—or at least notified—before it was made public. The “mega-productivity deduction” would allow businesses to deduct the full amount of their expenditures on goods, such as the purchase of machinery, construction materials, or new technologies. Quebec estimates that this measure would deprive the government of $1 billion in gross revenue per year, or approximately $5 billion over five years. However, Girard argued that this harmonization would have no impact on the province’s finances if the CAQ formed the next government. Citing a report from TD Bank, he estimated that this mega-deduction could generate $600 million in economic growth. And what about the remaining $400 million? A CAQ government would close this gap by scaling back two of Quebec’s investment tax credits: the investment and innovation tax credit and the tax holiday for major investment projects. Together, these tax credits represent expenditures of $938.3 million. The Canadian Press CAQ promises $32.4M for youth mental health The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) is promising to invest $32.4 million in its first budget to help young people struggling with mental health issues, particularly as they transition into adulthood. The funding would include the opening of 10 new resources known as Aire ouverte (open air) centres, to provide health and wellness services to young people aged 12 to 25. READ MORE: There are currently 48 Aire ouverte centres across Quebec and, according to the outgoing CAQ government, 12,000 young people accessed their services in 2024-25. The CAQ estimates the cost of the commitment at $22.4 million over four years. - The Canadian Press. Third and final French-language debate The party leaders are set to participate in the third and final French-language debate at 8 p.m. Wednesday on Radio-Canada. The leaders are expected to discuss five topics: the future of Quebec, the economy, cuts to taxes and public services, childcare and health care. The leaders previously took part in two other French-language debates; one on TVA Montreal on Sept. 15, and another on Noovo and the Crave streaming platform on Sept. 16. READ MORE: There will be no English-language debate after only two of the parties, Québec Solidaire and the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), confirmed their presence with a “yes.” The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and Parti Québécois (PQ) declined the offer, while the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) said it would only participate if all five parties agreed. Poll aggregator Qc125 suggests the PQ is still the front-runner in this election - though a minority government remains the most likely scenario. Top issues so far during the campaign include sovereignty, affordability and the trade war with the United States. - Rachel Lau, CTV News digital journalist. Day 28 Here is where the party leaders are planning to start their day, in order of first appearance: Ruba Ghazal (Québec Solidaire) QS Spokesperson Ruba Ghazal is expected to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m. Meanwhile, QS spokesperson Sol Zanetti will hold a press briefing with Etienne Grandmont, the party’s candidate in Taschereau, at 9:30 a.m. at Parc de la Francophonie in Quebec City. Christine Fréchette (Coalition Avenir Québec) CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette is preparing to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m., followed by a press briefing at 10:50 p.m. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (Parti Québécois) PQ Leader Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon is set to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m. Charles Milliard (Quebec Liberal Party) Liberal Leader Charles Milliard is participating in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m., followed by a press briefing at 10:27 p.m. Éric Duhaime (Quebec Conservative Party) Conservative leader Éric Duhaime is slated to participate in the leaders’ debate on Radio-Canada at 8 p.m. The leaders
