Quebec manages to pass its budget as current legislature session ends

QUEBEC – Controversy over a daring prison escape via helicopter added plenty of turbulence to the end of Quebec’s current session of the legislature.

Premier Philippe Couillard was dogged by questions about how his new public security minister handled the incident, which has been confused by conflicting information.

Public Security Minister Lise Theriault says she’s not going to comment further on the escape, saying she believes officials misled her and complicated her job.

Couillard says he has full confidence in Theriault.

The new premier says he is pleased with what his rookie government has managed to accomplish since being elected on April 7.

Couillard even said he loves his new job in response to a question from a reporter.

The government also managed to pass its budget before the session ended.

The opposition Parti Quebecois was less happy with the recent legislature session.

Interim PQ Leader Stephane Bedard says he fears for Quebecers.

He insisted the government’s austerity measures suggest it will be seeking to balance its books on the backs of taxpayers.