François Legault found himself defending the place reserved for public transport in his tunnel project between Quebec and Lévis, alongside a Justin Trudeau visibly uninterested in contributing to it.
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The two prime ministers, who were together to formalize the arrival of Moderna in Montreal on Friday, once again expressed opposing views regarding the third link project.
Asked by a journalist whether Ottawa would agree to contribute 40% of the costs, now that a new version of the project estimated at $6.5 billion has been unveiled, the Prime Minister of Canada replied quite coldly.
“We are always there for investments in partnership with the cities and the provinces,” said Mr. Trudeau first, when we know that unlike his counterpart in Lévis, the mayor of Quebec, Bruno Marchand, seems rather refractory to the under-river tunnel project.
little hope
“We have invested enormously in recent years in infrastructure, particularly in public transit infrastructure,” argued the Liberal leader.
More generally, when projects are presented at the federal level, “we look at them”, let Mr. Trudeau hover.
But regarding the third link specifically, “I know the project is still being worked out,” he continued, explaining that decisions will be made in due course.
However, he ended on a note that does nothing to give Quebec hope of obtaining the funding requested. “Our priority is always at the level of public transport and it will remain at this level,” warned Mr. Trudeau.
It should be remembered that at the present time, no federal infrastructure program makes it possible to subsidize new highway projects.
Baffled Legault
Obviously disconcerted, François Legault immediately stepped up to the microphone to add his grain of salt.
“Just remember that […] [le projet de troisième lien] it’s very important for public transit,” he said. […] At peak times, there will be two lanes out of four, so half of the lanes, which will be for public transit. »
The Premier of Quebec took the opportunity to put forward a few arguments in support of his flagship project. ” Currently [entre Québec et Lévis]there are two bridges where people are forced to make a big detour, which is not ideal for the environment, ”recalled the head caquiste.