Describing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as “arrogant”, “insolent” and “incompetent”, federal Liberal Minister Jean-Yves Duclos suggested that the Conservatives coming to power in Ottawa would put the government in great danger. Quebec tramway megaproject.
“What a disgusting outing from Mr. Poilievre. When he arrived in Quebec, he started insulting everyone. He called Mr. Legault and his incompetent government. He treated Mr. Marchand and the entire City as incompetent people,” lamented Mr. Duclos, Monday morning, on the sidelines of his participation in the inauguration of the NGCC. Vincent Massey, a new Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker.
Last week, in Quebec, Mr. Poilievre assured that he would not spend an additional dollar to cover the additional cost of the tramway. He also admitted that this project was “badly managed”.
Global inflation
Does Mr. Poilievre’s coming to power mean no tramways in Quebec? “It’s not just “no tram” because there are other projects that are more expensive due to global inflation. The house costs more,” said Mr. Duclos.
According to him, “it is disturbing that Mr. Poilievre, who knows nothing about the Quebec region, puts the blame for global inflation, which increases the cost of infrastructure, on the backs of people who have worked hard for many years. years. years, in Quebec, to move forward in terms of housing and infrastructure.
Appui d’Ottawa
Despite the expected increase in the tramway budget, Mr. Duclos reiterated Ottawa’s support for the project. “The Canadian government has been there from the beginning. And we will also think about additional costs,” he said, praising the same position taken by the Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault.
Does this “portion of additional costs” always equal the 40% typically spent at the federal level for public transportation projects?
“It’s always the same thing. Normally, it is 40%. It obviously depends on the costs,” answered Jean-Yves Duclos, somewhat vaguely, saying he was waiting for the budget update.
Asked about the assumption that the City of Quebec will be the manager of the tramway infrastructure project if the negotiations with the consortia fail, Minister Duclos continued that “it is the responsibility of the municipal administration that has our full confidence and our total respect. .
