Federal Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos expressed anger at the recent outing of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who last week called the Quebec City tram project “mismanaged by incompetent politicians.”
Jean-Yves Duclos quickly responded to the conservative leader. “What a disgusting performance by Mr. Poilievre,” Mr. Duclos said. As soon as he landed in Quebec, he started insulting everyone.
The federal MP for the Quebec riding said he was shocked by Mr. Poilievre’s insolence and arrogance toward the city of Quebec and its partners, while defending the tram project.
He didn’t even meet the mayor [Bruno] Marchand has not met the engineers, urban planners and mobility specialists and treats them as incompetent. He believes the Conservative leader, who was in the Quebec capital during his party’s convention, showed a lack of respect. Mr Poilievre has particular deficiencies in this area.
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While in Quebec, where the Conservative Party of Canada held its convention Sept. 7-9, Mr. Poilievre was asked about the proposed cost overruns for the tram project. (archive photo)
Photo: The Canadian Press / Jacques Boissinot
Mr Duclos admits that the tram project will be more expensive than expected, as is the case with other large infrastructure projects. He cites the expansion project of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and affordable housing projects as examples. It’s the same everywhere in the country, it’s the same everywhere on the planet.
Minister Duclos understands that it is not only the tram project that is at risk if Mr Poilievre is elected. It’s very serious, he believes.
The fact that he arrives in Quebec and insults the people of the Government of Quebec and Quebec City by calling them “incompetent” is outrageous, unimaginable and intolerable to him.
Mr. Duclos also welcomed the reaction of Prime Minister François Legault. Even if it had happened [traiter] Described as “incompetent”, he immediately said that he would cover part of the additional costs because we know that there will be additional costs associated with structuring the transport network.
The minister reiterates his government’s desire to pay 40% of the bill. Traditionally it is 40%, he reiterated, adding that of course it depends on the cost. He is waiting for the latest price update for the project.
Regarding the possibility of the City of Quebec becoming project manager of the tram project, Mr. Duclos said he trusts the City of Quebec will be able to make the right decision.