They will make themselves known. For the Liberals, this has become a test of credibility. His decision to scale back tax credits for labour-sponsored venture capital corporations could be seized upon by his political enemies in a province where the country's largest fund is run by the Quebec Federation of Labour. On transfer payments, federal officials expect that they will have to defend themselves, even though Quebec will lose only half of the advantages it currently enjoys. Reform to the old-age pension could also be politically risky in Quebec, if the government doesn't manage the issue carefully.
Seniors are a core federalist constituency in the province.
In fact, the seniors reform provides an invisible benefit to Quebec, which has the highest proportion of low-income seniors in the country and therefore will have the highest proportion of people actually better off under the new system. Watch ROBTv budget day video coverage. Free download available.