Trudeau sets sights on Quebec, where Liberals hope to improve electoral fortunes

Kristy Kirkup, The Canadian Press, Published Tuesday, September 1, 2015 9:08AM EDT, Last Updated Tuesday, September 1, 2015 1:12PM EDT, Source

GATINEAU, Que. -- Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is focusing his political sights on Quebec this week as the party tries to improve its electoral fortunes in the province.

Trudeau began the day with an event outside the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., where he reacted to gross domestic product numbers released by Statistics Canada.

The figures indicate the country fell into a technical recession in the first half of the year.

Trudeau said the data shows Stephen Harper's plan for the economy is not working.

"It suggests to me that quite frankly, Stephen Harper is completely out of touch with the reality that Canadians are going through across this country," Trudeau said.

"Regardless of the technical definitions, and what Statistics Canada is saying, Canadians have known for a long time that his economic plan is not working for them."

Trudeau attempted to distinguish the Liberals last week when he announced the party plans to run deficits of up to $10 billion for three years and invest in infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.

The NDP and Conservatives continue to promise they will balance the books.

Trudeau says the Tories and New Democrats would have to drastically slash spending to deliver their promises and balance the federal budget.

He will also visit a Tim Hortons in Gatineau today before he heads to Laval for an evening rally.

The Liberals were largely squeezed out of Quebec in the last election, with the exception of seven seats that the party holds around the Montreal area, including Trudeau's riding.

The NDP swept through Quebec in 2011, where the party claimed 59 of 75 ridings, helping propel the party to the status of official Opposition.