The Legault government’s plan to relaunch air transport in the region was rather well received on Tuesday, with elected officials and business circles saying that they find it beneficial.
As revealed Le Devoin Tuesday, the government decided to conclude agreements with the airlines to guarantee Quebecers flights at good prices, under the $500 mark.
The announcement took place in Mont-Joli, where one of the most dynamic airports in the regions of Quebec is located. To restart flights, the Régie of this airport had proposed to the government to create a regional company to replace Air Canada, without success.
However, even if his idea was not accepted, the plan unveiled on Tuesday meets his expectations. “We are very happy. I think the wait was worth it, ”reacted the chairman of the board of directors of the Régie and prefect of the MRC de la Mitis, Bruno Paradis.
The key, he says, is for people to get used to flying to the regions of Quebec, which this plan should accomplish. By changing perceptions, Mr. Paradis hopes to see an increase in ridership and, eventually, the supply of flights.
On the side of the Quebec Federation of Municipalities (FQM), which represents the elected representatives of the regions, we welcomed the entry into the scene of the price cap at $500. “The FQM is happy that Mr. Bonnardel was inspired by his recommendations,” said its president, Jacques Demers, in a press release.
After having often denounced the slowness of the government in this file, the FQM said in recent months that it was ready to wait if the final plan met its expectations.
His enthusiasm is also shared by the other major municipal lobby in Quebec, the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ). “Today, we feel that air transport has become a priority for the Government of Quebec and that it is considered at its true value, as a vector of development for our regions”, declared its president, Daniel Côté, who is also mayor of Gaspé, a major air destination in the region.
The employers delighted, the PQ skeptical
The business community was also satisfied. “Their plan responds to certain concerns of our members, such as the concern to offer plane tickets at affordable prices while guaranteeing the free choice of the customer”, argued the president of the Board of Patronage, Karl Blackburn.
However, the Parti Québécois has shown itself to be unimpressed by the proposal and fears that competition will be harmed by financing carriers. “[Le gouvernement] does not give itself any leverage regarding the service offer. The carriers are the big winners,” declared the PQ MP for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Joël Arseneau. “We do not see in this plan a long-term structuring vision,” he added.
The Parti Québécois rather supported the project of low-cost offers of the Cooperative TREQ, whose activities have not yet begun.