Officially a candidate for the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) in Sherbrooke, Caroline St-Hilaire assures us that her position has “evolved” on the third Quebec-Lévis link, of which she had been very critical in recent years. The addition of a “very interesting” public transit offer has now led him to support the project.
Posted at 12:04 p.m.
Updated at 3:33 p.m.
“I was heard talking about the third link when I had a commentator’s hat, which was also a critic’s hat. And I think I have been critical of several political formations, several projects. At the time, when I was speaking in particular on the third link, you have to remember that it was far from being the project we have today, ”explained the former mayor of Longueuil on Sunday. , whose nomination in Sherbrooke had been acquired for several weeks.
The one who is also a former member of the Bloc affirms that the project and its position have “evolved for several reasons, in particular because there is a very interesting public transport offer”.
It has become a structuring network for the entire region. That, I find very interesting for the people of Quebec and Lévis. I live very well with the third link.
Caroline St-Hilaire, CAQ candidate in Sherbrooke
This is a significant turnaround for M.me St-Hilaire, who had been critical of the project in recent years, to say the least, notably on LCN as a commentator. Among other things, she had demanded a toll to circulate in the tunnel, an idea that François Legault had swept away.
Legault addresses protesters
When a demonstration was to be held on Sunday against the third link project, at Place Jean-Béliveau d’ExpoCité, François Legault again praised the benefits of his project, valued at 6.5 billion.
“When we objectively look at the projections taking into account telework, there is going to be a problem on the two bridges, especially since they are next to each other. We need to have a third link to have service and delays comparable to the bridges in Montreal,” he said.
Do we want to put a dot that would disfigure Quebec and even, further east, Île d’Orléans? I don’t think that’s desirable.
François Legault, Prime Minister, deploring the “misinformation” surrounding the project
He reiterated that half of the lanes reserved for public transit during rush hour, between the city centers of Lévis and Quebec, will allow buses to stop “to go around by the two bridges”, which will be according to him a “significant incentive” to mobility.
“There is also a question of security: we will continue to need trucks to deliver the goods,” he insisted.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to launch a felt arrow at his detractors. “We can criticize, but what are the alternatives? Apart from whining, you have to come up with a proposal. And I think our proposal is the best, ”he offered.
Hot fight in sight
A fierce battle is brewing in this riding in the Eastern Townships. Québec solidaire also held a rally on Sunday afternoon featuring its outgoing member for Sherbrooke, Christine Labrie.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Christine Labrie, MNA for Québec solidaire
The latter had won the 2018 election by obtaining 34% of the vote, against 25% for the outgoing Liberal MP, Luc Fortin.
In 2018, we surprised everyone by winning in Sherbrooke. People didn’t see us coming, and yet we managed to do it. And we’re going to do it again this year. I still have a lot to give.
Christine Labrie, Solidarity MNA for Sherbrooke
“No one in Quebec doubts it anymore: it [François Legault] wants to campaign on immigration and on religious symbols. Me, I think that the people of Sherbrooke have other priorities, ”said Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, saying he was “confident” of making even more gains in Estrie. , including the re-election of its only MP in the region.
With Christine, it paved the way. Estrie solidarity, it is possible.
Manon Massé, co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire
“I want my experience to revitalize Sherbrooke, to benefit the people here,” said Ms.me St-Hilaire at a press conference.
She underlined her attachment to the region where she moved four years ago: “This is where I chose to live, I deeply love this part of Quebec. »
Mr. Legault was delighted to see her join the ranks of his political party: “To have a member at the height of Sherbrooke, we needed an exceptional candidate. […], I need Caroline in Quebec. »
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- 1998-2012
- The riding of Sherbrooke was acquired by former Liberal Premier Jean Charest from 1998 to 2012, until he was overthrown by PQ member Serge Cardin. Since then, no party has succeeded in establishing its influence for more than one term.