Quebec’s provincial party leaders were back on the campaign trail Thursday after taking part in back-to-back prime-time television interviews the night before, where discussion focused largely on the trade war with the United States and Quebec sovereignty.
As the campaign enters its third week, leaders are also facing questions from voters about affordability and other issues affecting communities across the province, including the proposed Alto high-speed rail project linking Quebec City and Toronto, designed to cut travel times between the two cities in half.
The rail line emerged as a key issue during meetings with Quebec’s agricultural sector, where some farmers say the project could have a major impact on farmland and rural communities.
Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon spent part of the day meeting with farmers and agricultural workers, arguing he does not support the proposed rail link. He said he does not see a scenario in which the project would be a wise use of public funds.
The high-speed rail network, being developed by Alto, would connect Quebec City and Toronto in about three hours. Alto estimates the project could cost as much as $90 billion, while the Parti Québécois argues the final cost could exceed $150 billion.
Get daily National news
Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories.
Opposition to the project has been growing in some rural areas of Quebec, where farmers fear the rail corridor could run through or near their properties. Some say it would threaten their operations and way of life.
Conservative Party of Quebec Leader Éric Duhaime also sided with farmers opposed to the project, saying the multibillion-dollar transit system does not make financial sense.
Although the project would be federally funded and falls under Ottawa’s jurisdiction, farmers affected by the proposed route say provincial leaders should have a voice in discussions about its future.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard supports the rail project, arguing Canada is the only G7 country without a high-speed rail network. However, he said agricultural stakeholders must be consulted before it moves ahead.
Christine Fréchette said more discussions are needed between Alto and affected groups, noting she recently met with the organization’s chief executive and stressed the importance of consulting stakeholders.
The debate comes as recent public opinion polls suggest the Parti Québécois remains among the campaign frontrunners, while some surveys indicate the Coalition Avenir Québec has gained momentum.
Leaders are also preparing for a series of election debates, beginning Sept. 15 on TVA, ahead of the Oct. 5 vote.
–with files from The Canadian Press
