PQ to table 2013-14 budget early, on Nov. 20

QUEBEC – The newly elected Parti Quebecois government will table its first budget in two weeks.

The full 2013-14 annual budget will not be tabled in the spring, as is the normal practice, and will come out months earlier — on Nov. 20.

The earlier-than-expected budget could protect the minority government and keep it afloat longer.

It will be tabled while the Opposition Liberals are still embroiled in a leadership race, and while the new Coalition party is building its young organization.

That means that even if the other parties oppose the PQ fiscal policies — as they have so far — they might be hesitant to topple the government and risk an election.

The PQ has faced criticism from other parties for its tax policies, among other priorities.