Carlos Leitão
- Born
- 1956 — Portugal
- Education
- BA, McGill University (1979)
- Career
- Chief economist for Laurentian Bank Securities
- Political Experience
- MNA for Robert-Baldwin (Quebec Liberal Party), Quebec minister of Finance (2014), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry (2025)
- Notable
- Moved to Canada in 1975, named to the Bank of Canada's board of directors in May 2023
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering provincial politics in Quebec, Carlos Leitão had a long career as an economist. He is most known for his role as the Chief Economist for Laurentian Bank Securities. His professional background in economics and finance was a central part of his public profile when he became Quebec's Minister of Finance.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a prominent cabinet minister in the Quebec Liberal Party, Leitão was a key member of former Premier Philippe Couillard's government. He served as Couillard's Minister of Finance from 2014 to 2018, making him a central figure in that administration's economic policy.
Public Controversies
As Quebec's Minister of Finance, Carlos Leitão was the face of the Couillard government's austerity measures aimed at eliminating the provincial deficit. These policies, which involved significant spending cuts, were highly controversial and led to widespread public sector protests and labour disputes. Critics argued the cuts negatively impacted public services, while supporters credited them with restoring fiscal balance to the province.
Where Carlos falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Total votes cast: 57,563
How does Carlos Leitão's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, this government's record is that it has created a very resilient economy. Despite headwinds from the south, our economy continues to grow. In fact, last week I encouraged my opposition colleagues to check out the C.D. Howe Institute's Business Cycle Council. I would again encourage them to do so. They should read its report. They might find it very enlightening, and it might change
Mr. Speaker, we are going to keep going. Canadians know that, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, 5,000 small businesses closed their doors. Canadians know that the Canadian economy is under pressure from the United States. No, that is not an excuse. I heard my colleagues say that the international context is an excuse. Come on, how could that be an excuse? It is very real, very tangible. There
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that in May, we created 88,000 jobs. Canadians know that in May, there were 154,000 full-time jobs. Canadians know that 27,000 of these jobs were in the construction sector. Canadians know that the trade surplus grew in April and May. Canadians know that, just yesterday, the Prime Minister announced 13 contracts worth $5 billion. Canadians know this—
Madam Chair, we're not going to support the subamendment. We already did what we did, suspending the excise tax for three months. That by itself is two-point-something billion dollars. That's that.
Right. I think that's probably a better idea. Who would manage this fund?
All right. Thank you. Mr. MacDonald, I really liked your statement that the sector is in a “perpetual state of start-up”. I don't like that—I'm not saying I like that—but I think it's a good description of the world in which you operate. You have to start everything all over again, and yes, that's a perpetual state of start-up. Now, you mentioned that one way to perhaps address that is to have
Madam Chair, on a point of order, I'm sorry, but we are talking about the subamendment. We are not talking about possible alleged political interference in the management of the CPP. What my colleague is saying is interesting, but it is off topic.
It's going forward.