Quebec leaders out on the hustings on Day 1 of 39-day campaign

The Quebec election campaign officially began Thursday with Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard expressing optimism the message that his party represents stability and sound economic management will resonate with voters.

Couillard also wasted little time making it clear what a prominent plank in his strategy will be during the 39-day campaign: attacking the front-running Coalition Avenir Quebec.

He accused Francois Legault's party of plunging Quebec back into confrontation with its views on Indigenous Peoples, medical specialists and civil servants.

"I don't call that stability, and that is what I see in that party," said Couillard, adding he is proud of his government's accomplishments since its election in 2014.

Couillard will also vaunt Quebec's financial situation against the backdrop of a strong economy, low unemployment and rising salaries

"I feel very proud of what we've done over the past four years," he said. "I'm very optimistic for Quebec and I'm very optimistic for my campaign too."

The timing of the election call was not a surprise as Couillard had said earlier this month the campaign would officially begin Thursday, with Quebecers going to the polls Oct. 1.

With the exception of the recent PQ minority government, the Liberals have been in power since 2003, but recent polls have suggested the Coalition is ahead in popular support.

PQ Leader Jean-Francois Lisee held his own news conference Thursday and accused the Liberals of failing to do enough for various segments of the population, including children and the elderly.

"We have to turn the page on 15 years of Liberal reign," said Lisee, seemingly forgetting the 19 months his party was in power from 2012 to 2014.

"The Liberals act as though there have been co cuts. Nobody believes them. The Caquistes (the Coalition) act as though they can cut taxes without cutting services. Nobody should believe them. If you hated Liberal austerity, you are going to hate Caquiste austerity."

The 39-day campaign is the longest possible under Quebec electoral law and Liberal strategists have said privately it means more time to put the Coalition under the microscope.

Couillard has said the extra days were necessary because of the Labour Day weekend and the time needed to prepare for three debates.

"We'll have more time to speak to Quebecers," he reiterated Thursday.

At dissolution, the Liberals held 68 seats, the PQ 28 and the Coalition 21.

There were also three Quebec solidaire members and five Independents in the 125-seat national assembly.