The legal crusade initiated by opponents of the Quebec tramway comes to a standstill. In an 85-page decision rendered on Tuesday, Superior Court judge Clément Samson rejected all of the arguments presented by the plaintiff, considering that “nothing in the appeal poses an obstacle to the City’s tramway project of Quebec”.
The setback is bitter for those who implored the judiciary to put an end to the “madness” of the tramway. “You are the last bastion,” said the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mr.e Guy Bertrand, by slaying a streetcar which, in the light of his pleading, violated the freedom of expression and the democracy of the population of Quebec.
Judge Samson’s decision is sometimes pithy with regard to the many allegations made by the plaintiffs during the trial. The conflicts of interest raised by Mr.e Bertrand “hold with string”, according to the magistrate. “There is not one iota of proof, adds the judge, that the government acted under the dictation of lobbyists” as claimed by the plaintiff.
As much as the defeat is stinging for the opponents of the tramway, the victory is total for the City of Quebec. The mayor, Bruno Marchand, was quick to welcome the court’s conclusions. “I am a happy mayor today,” he said. He stresses that “citizens had the right to go to court”, while inviting them to turn the page. “Can we move on and move on?” I think we really need it. »
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