As Québec kicks off its provincial election campaign, Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) leader Charles Milliard has made the highly contested third highway link between Québec City and Lévis a central focus of his platform for the Capitale-Nationale region. Speaking at a press conference in Québec City on Thursday during the first day of the campaign, Milliard stated that while he is openly in favor of the project, his immediate plan is to pursue further studies rather than promise an immediate construction timeline.
PLQ Leader Targets Public-Private Partnership and Existing Promoters
Milliard committed to replacing the current promoter handling the initiative, asserting that the existing administration had damaged the project’s credibility over the past decade. Earlier this year, the government led by outgoing Premier and Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) leader Christine Fréchette received 21 business proposals in response to an international call for interest for building the crossing through a public-private partnership (PPP). According to reporting from Le Soleil, Milliard’s stance relies entirely on the private sector, as he refused to advance a third link project without private collaboration and expressed openness to a toll on a future bridge located east of the current route.
This conditional approach closely aligns with comments from the government, which previously noted that the project would fail without private sector involvement. Meanwhile, Marie-Josée Morency, chief executive officer of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie du Grand Lévis, expressed satisfaction with Milliard’s conditional commitment during a Friday conference. Morency emphasized that local businesses want a solution located to the east rather than a central corridor, noting that the business community is not worried about the current direction.
Evaluating Past Precedents and Future Transport Priorities
Before Milliard assumed leadership, the PLQ strongly opposed the third link project, previously dismissing it as a haphazard concept. Addressing questions regarding whether construction could begin within an initial mandate, Milliard acknowledged that past political parties have repeatedly made and broken similar promises. He declined to set a specific target date, emphasizing instead that he intends to meet quickly with experts and private sector representatives to revalidate studies without pushing the file to 2035.
Beyond the highway crossing, Milliard outlined several other municipal transportation and economic proposals for the region. He promised to launch studies for subsequent phases of the Québec tramway development, transform the downtown-bound Laurentienne autoroute into an urban boulevard as requested by the city, and collaborate with Alto to connect the federal high-speed train (TGV) project to the municipal transit network. Economically, the Liberal leader aims to foster a defense technology hub and support a container terminal project by the company QSL at the Port of Québec.
Did You Know? Earlier this year, the government led by outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette received 21 business proposals from private enterprises following an international call of interest to build the third highway link through a public-private partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charles Milliard’s stance on the third highway link?
The PLQ leader supports the third link between Québec City and Lévis, but states that his immediate action will be to pursue and revalidate studies alongside experts and the private sector.
Will the project rely on public or private funding?
According to Le Soleil, Milliard’s commitment is strictly conditional on a public-private partnership, and he has stated he will not advance the project without private sector collaboration.
What other transportation initiatives did the PLQ leader announce for Québec City?
Milliard promised to study future phases of the tramway, convert the Laurentienne autoroute into an urban boulevard, and work to connect the federal high-speed train network to municipal transit.
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