Madam Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault,
I speak to you today with sincere concern about our province’s sustainable mobility policy. It’s time to speak up: your political presence seems to be limited to appearances, smiles and well-spoken speeches. Unfortunately, this attitude is not enough to solve the urgent transportation and environmental challenges we face.
It is imperative to recognize that sustainable mobility requires a clear vision and strong political convictions. Unfortunately, I feel like these elements are sorely lacking in your approach. Your ministry continues to turn a blind eye, preferring greenwashing to real concerted action to reduce our carbon footprint and fight climate change.
Your government has set an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37.5% by 2030. However, it is crucial to recognize that the transportation sector represents more than 40% of these emissions. It’s time to stop denying the reality of climate change and take concrete steps to tackle it.
The tramway project in Quebec is a glaring example. Your management of this file leaves something to be desired. The incessant delays and clumsy excuses only demonstrate a lack of leadership and commitment to sustainable mobility. The cost of the project should not be a pretext to slow down its progress. On the contrary, investing in a structuring network is essential for the future of our province.
Reducing this project to a mere “pre-planning phase” is insulting to everyone who worked tirelessly to make it happen.
It is time to remember that public transport is a mission of the State and must remain so. All citizens contribute to financing our road infrastructure, whether they use them or not. The same goes for public transport modes. We must guarantee fair access to mobility for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic situation.
The construction of a tramway in Quebec should not be seen as a whim of urban elites. This is an essential project to improve the quality of life of all citizens, today and for future generations. We are not building this network for short-term political gains, but to meet the needs of our society for decades to come.
Finally, Madam Minister, I urge you to take your responsibilities seriously and act with determination to promote sustainable mobility in Quebec. Our future depends on it.