Hundreds of millions of dollars for the streetcar in Quebec city, promises Trudeau

Photo Jean-François Desgagnés
The prime minister has assured the mayor Labeaume that he could count on several “hundreds of millions” in order to achieve its tramway project.

Jean-Luc Lavallée

Thursday, 18 January 2018 11:41

UPDATE
Thursday, 18 January, 2018 13:23

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The prime minister Justin Trudeau has assured the mayor Régis Labeaume, Thursday, that it could count on several “hundreds of millions” of Ottawa to carry out its project of a tramway in Quebec city.

All smiles at the end of the meeting to the city hall of Quebec city, Mr. Labeaume reported on the content of their conversation during a press conference, stating that Mr. Trudeau had been “enthusiastic” with regard to its public transport project structuring.

“He said to me : “to be Governed, it has hundreds of millions to the City of Québec, where it is expected your project.” And then he said : “It is necessary that Quebec has its network.” It is there, it is available 100 %. You know Justin, he loves these projects, he is okay with it so he expects our project. I think it will not be problem”, he rejoiced.

The two men, who have talked in private for about thirty minutes, have also discussed the commemoration of the slaughter of the mosque, which will take place on January 29th. Mr. Trudeau will be back in Quebec city for the occasion.

The mayor Labeaume also welcomed the good news for the chantier Davie, Lévis, even if Justin Trudeau has nothing confirmed about future icebreakers.

The two politicians were also exchanged on the problem of the workforce in Quebec and the immigration rules are too strict, according to Mr. Labeaume, the fate of the painting of the Quebec bridge, which is still the subject of negotiations behind the scenes and then sharing revenue from cannabis. “It is agreed that the cities have a percentage”, has welcomed Mr. Labeaume.

On his arrival at the town hall to 11.15 am this morning, Justin Trudeau had stated to the media that he intends to discuss with the mayor “public transit, investments, and partnerships”.

Mr. Labeaume has welcomed him outside on the front steps of the city hall. The two men then stepped into a room out of sight for a private conversation of about 30 minutes.

A first in ten years

“This is the first time that a prime minister comes to the city hall of Quebec city since I’m there and it’s been when even ten years ago,” said Mr. Labeaume. I met (the) first ministers in the city and elsewhere, but at the hotel de ville, this is the first time. The last time, it was Mrs. Butcher, and it was Mr. (Paul) Martin, who came. Mr. Prime minister, you are the first for ten years, and I thank you a lot, it is an honour for us”, he said before the meeting.

“It gives me enormous pleasure to be here. We met before several times but not here at city hall since I am prime minister. I am very glad to come to visit and I will continue these wonderful conversations (for) a long time,” answered Mr. Trudeau.

The prime minister has not responded to journalists ‘ questions when he left the town hall. Mr. Trudeau spent the day in Quebec city. He has granted interviews to radio stations and must, in particular, respond to questions from citizens at a meeting tonight at the high school of Rochebelle in the borough of Sainte-Foy.