All three opposition parties say no referendum on tramways

All three opposition parties in the National Assembly are against holding a popular consultation on the tramway project in Quebec, as some CAQ elected officials are demanding behind the scenes.

• Read more: Towards a referendum on tramways?

• Read more: Tramway: Too late for a referendum, according to Claude Villeneuve

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As revealed by Le Journal, CAQ representatives want their government to consult Quebec City and its mayor, Bruno Marchand, with a referendum, for example, before giving the green light to follow the tram project, whose costs will be soon. mentioned.

According to our sources, these representatives find it “desirable and normal” for citizens to have their say, while the significant cost is expected to be high.

“The tram project, like many issues, is subject to debate in caucus. This is normal,” the office of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Genevieve Guilbault commented without denying the information reported on our pages.

“Quebec City is the leader of the project. It is he who must present a plan that meets the expectations of citizens. We need to improve mobility and fluidity in Quebec, so we support the plan, but at a reasonable cost that respects the ability of Quebecers to pay.

Tanguay says the CAQ “couldn’t deliver.”

“François Legault must clarify his intentions and clearly state whether he supports the plan or not,” responded interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguy.

“With the CAQ, we’re going to waste a lot of time in Quebec because of a chaotic government,” fears a spokesperson for the official opposition party in charge of the Capital-National region.

“It is not possible to provide CAQ to our national capital,” said Mr. Tanguay condemned. The tram should move forward. The city held several citizen consultations. It’s time to deliver.”

Solidarity MP Etienne Grandmont reckons “the CAQ has already played enough politics at the back of the tramway”.

“If the government didn’t try to torpedo it, it should have been done well before then, so it’s time to move forward with the project,” commented Taschereau’s MP, recalling that the “defects” are already on Quebec’s streets. The project is a reality.

“Francois Legault did not vote for highway projects,” said Mr. Grandmont observed. As he lost to Jean-Dalon, he had to stop trying to gain time and change the shirt.

Jean-Talon, an elected member of the Parti Québécois in Pascal Paradis, also does not believe in the need for a referendum.

“What is urgent is for the government to provide an update on the tramway file and its position. Let the government stop stirring up confusion by reiterating its support for the project and the city,” declared Mr. Paradis.

“The government cannot impose a referendum in this case and cannot do so for all infrastructure projects. This will be a great precedent for municipal autonomy,” worries the new PQ elected official who will take office on Tuesday.

• Listen to an interview with PLQ leader Rafael Ferraro on Yasmin Abdelfadel’s show QUB Radio :

The CAQ is “looking for an excuse,” the PCQ believes

For his part, Eric Duhaime, leader of Quebec’s Conservative Party, believes the CAQ is “looking for an excuse” to cut the tramway project with this referendum proposal.

“No wonder MPs are calling for a referendum. “Most CAQ elected officials in the Quebec region have long had reservations about the tramway,” he argued in an interview.

And while he admits the government is moving his own party’s position to the roof, the Conservative leader isn’t ready to pop a bottle of champagne just yet.

“Before rejoicing, we will wait because they may change course two more times,” he said.

– Gabriel Code, in collaboration with Agence QMI