Resignation of François Legault | Cities welcome the departure of “a builder”

“Mr. Legault served Quebec at decisive and demanding times,” responded the mayor of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, in a press scrum at city hall. She highlighted the Prime Minister’s “unwavering commitment” over the years.

“He left his mark on Quebec political life with decisions that will shape the future of Quebec,” she said. Quebec must now begin a new chapter, and Montreal will always be open to working with all prime ministers […] on our social, economic and urban priorities. »

In Quebec, Mayor Bruno Marchand highlighted Mr. Legault’s contribution to the development of large-scale economic projects, such as the tramway, and his support for the construction of a record number of social housing in recent years.

“Even when we encountered difficulties, he always listened. We managed to maintain a respectful relationship and find solutions,” added Mr. Marchand.

Reforms and measures

The mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, spoke of Mr. Legault as a “builder”. “Even though the last few years have been more difficult, […] he founded his party from nothing, and won his bet, he noted. He was not afraid to lead reforms and challenge the status quo. He had a vision for the development of Quebec, which is bearing fruit, and which we do not talk about enough. »

The mayor of Longueuil, Catherine Fournier, seconded. “Despite our different visions on many levels, I am convinced that he always did his best in circumstances that were far from obvious. Even if he were going through a low point, as many can experience in politics, he can leave with his head held high. »

The president of the Quebec Federation of Municipalities (FQM), Jacques Demers, cited “the Fiscal Pact, the Declaration of Reciprocity, the trust placed in the MRCs during the pandemic and the deployment of high-speed internet” as lasting legacies of Mr. Legault. “We hope that his successor will also understand that Quebec is built, first and foremost, in its regions,” insisted Mr. Demers.

The Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) and its president, Guillaume Tremblay, mayor of Mascouche, spoke of “the growth of a QST point, the signing of two major agreements with the municipal sector, and a constant desire to maintain frank dialogue” as Mr. Legault’s legacies.

In other sectors, such as public transport, however, we breathe a sigh of relief at seeing François Legault bow out. “We can now look to the future with, we hope, a new government more favorable to public transport. It is high time to rebalance investments,” said the spokesperson for the Trajectoire Québec user group, Philippe Jacques.