Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is accused by Mayor Marchand of “making a mistake” regarding the tram, but assures that he is on the same page as the city regarding the megaproject Quebec stands.
“We have the same position as him (Quebec mayor) and want the tram, but not at any price. He himself doesn’t go into maximum ranges. We say exactly the same thing,” PSPP stressed in an interview with Le Journal on Monday.
The day before, Bruno Marchand claimed that “it is a mistake for the PQ to ask for this.” [une mise à jour de la facture du tramway], because we don’t have the costs. What we have is a fork. Ms (Geneviève) Guilbault (Minister of Transport) doesn’t have the prize, I don’t have it. For what ? The consortia determine the price when they submit their offer by November 2nd.”
Transparency required
Called on to respond, the PQ leader was careful not to argue with Mr Marchand or say whether the mayor’s exit could harm his party in the Jean-Talon by-election on October 2.
“My interlocutor was never the city of Quebec, but the (transport) minister, so that she can update the file and provide a minimum of transparency in the context of the partial election of Jean-Talon,” the sovereigntist leader added.
According to the latter, “it is wrong to say that minimally transparent disclosure would harm the tendering process to the consortia.” The minister could say, for example: “I can’t give you a price range, but I can at least tell you what we think it is will cost.”
Other reactions
Reactions were mixed at Quebec City Hall on Monday. Patrick Paquet, head of the Équipe Priority Québec, stressed that it is “legitimate” for political parties to ask about the price range for this mega-project.
“It is expected to be the most expensive tram in the world (cost per kilometer). The issue of price is crucial for people to understand,” he said. According to him, currently no tram project in the world has exceeded the $250 million per kilometer mark. However, if the Quebec project ultimately cost $8 billion, we would be at about $400 million per kilometer.
Opposite argument for Jackie Smith. The head of Transition Québec believes that “the mayor is right to defend the tram project.” We are reaching a point where the work will begin. I don’t see any point in constantly questioning the project.”
According to her, “we are so far into the project that we can’t change much.” Why fuel a debate that leads nowhere? »
For his part, opposition leader Claude Villeneuve did not want to react.
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