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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 134

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 24, 2022 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 134 - Nov/24/22
Mr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, BQ)
  • Nov/24/22 2:42:52 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the federal government unilaterally decided to bring the deadline to submit infrastructure projects forward by two years. If Quebec and its cities fail to meet the deadline, the federal government will keep $2.7 billion, and we will be unable to use it in our ridings. Yesterday, Éric Forest, the former president of the Union des municipalités du Québec, wrote an opinion piece explaining what the consequence would be. The consequence is that Quebec will be under pressure to choose projects based on size rather than value in order to meet the deadline. That means that small municipalities' projects could take a back seat to those of the big cities. That is neither fair nor smart. Does the government support that? Will the government listen to reason, reconsider and listen to what the mayors have to say?
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Context: House Hansard - 134 - Nov/24/22
Mr. Mario Simard (Jonquière, BQ)
  • Nov/24/22 2:45:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it was not clear, but perhaps the interpretation was better. Moving up the deadline by two years and threatening to keep the money if cities cannot turn on a dime is almost blackmail. The federal government wants its infrastructure fund to be used quickly. We agree. However, it should be used intelligently and equitably for the best possible projects for all municipalities, both small and large. The government should collaborate instead of threatening our towns, which are doing their best. This is absurd, it will have to back down. Can it promise today that all money not spent by March 31 will be transferred to Quebec and not put back in its own pockets?
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