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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Something I don't want to do, ever, is to put Quebec in a position of weakness.

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.