Montréal, March 25, 2013 ‒ The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal supports the Government of Quebec’s decision to launch the Turcot Complex reconstruction project right away.
“The fluid movement of people and merchandise is a priority for our city,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Our competitiveness depends on an efficient, integrated transport network. We have frequently pointed out that the Turcot Interchange is a strategic part of our infrastructure and must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure the safety of users and minimize the economic cost of traffic congestion in the Greater Montréal area.”
“We applaud the government’s decision to re-evaluate and better manage project costs, which have kept climbing over the past six years,” Mr. Leblanc said. “We also congratulate it for adding public transit infrastructures that will improve the traffic situation. These are essential measures, given the historical context of the project and the traffic issues in the city.”
“Unfortunately, today’s announcement is tarnished by the new postponement in the project’s completion date,” Mr. Leblanc said. “As was the case with the Train de l’Est and the Dorval Interchange, the government is taking too long to complete major structuring projects for the city.”
“Ms. Marois has stated on a number of occasions that her government would distinguish itself for its integrity and cost management of major projects,” Michel Leblanc said. “We feel that diligence in completing major projects for Montréal would be a welcome addition to these two principles.”
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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