Federal Minister Jean-Yves Duclos will keep an eye on the next survey on support for the tramway, which he wants to see increased.
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This week, the mayor of Quebec, Bruno Marchand, announced that the City will reveal in a few days the results of a new survey which measures the support for its tramway project. The latest poll revealed a drop in public support to 41%.
Minister Duclos did not want to come forward to quantify the approval rate he would like. “I expect there to be as much support as possible. I can not wait to see. […] We hope, with the efforts that the City is making, that the support will be at least maintained and ideally increased over time.
Not worried about dispute
The minister is not unduly worried about the legal challenge that an anti-tramway group is preparing, with the help of lawyer Guy Bertrand. The group “Québec deserves better” is considering filing an injunction to force the City of Québec to carry out a new “objective” study on other modes of transport and to hold a referendum.
“I heard Mayor Marchand’s arguments. Bruno said it: it’s a very solid project that will move forward. […] I have no particular concern, as Mayor Marchand said.”
In addition, Mr. Duclos has not yet received the details he expects from Quebec regarding the Legault government’s request for a federal commitment on the financing of the project’s cost overruns.
“I know [both levels of government] are working together to get this information received.”
