In Quebec, it is not a surprise to see the political authorities looking for noise around projects such as the tramway, which we want to carry out with the billions entrusted by the citizens. There was a time in Quebec when municipalities sparingly used tax money to meet taxpayers’ demands for essential needs, such as drinking water supply and sewage disposal. Even if there could arise objections from a certain public on this occasion, the projects could make their way in a democratic way. We are no longer there, because, nowadays, the use of billions for infrastructures has become a political issue rather than a need expressed by the citizenry, an issue that raises arguments whose meanings remain obscure, but which must probably serve the interests of each other. Let us add that the lack of popular consent for the tramway also exists for the third link project, another project of political origin.
Mme Fanny Tremblay-Racicot, doctor in urban studies at ENAP, took advantage of the current situation to suggest that the development of transport networks in Quebec and Lévis be overseen by a public body. Of course, there would be various specialists in the urban field who would be able to establish conclusive facts and recommend infrastructure projects in which to invest citizens’ money. Thus, mayors, ministers and other business people would no longer have to split more or less credible explanations, and democracy could regain its place, since science will have guaranteed the common interest.
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