The Quebec government has officially adopted Bill 61, which will establish the Mobilite Infra-Quebec agency. This new agency will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating major infrastructure projects in the province.
The bill was passed with a vote of 61 to 49, with the majority of the ruling party, Coalition Avenir Quebec, in favor. The opposition parties, including the Parti Quebecois and Quebec Solidaire, voted against the bill, citing concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability.
According to Premier Francois Legault, the creation of the Mobilite Infra-Quebec agency is necessary to streamline the process of infrastructure development in the province. He believes that this agency will help to reduce delays and costs associated with major projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation.
The agency will have a budget of $4 billion over the next 10 years and will be responsible for managing projects worth over $100 million. It will also have the power to expropriate land for infrastructure projects, a controversial aspect of the bill that has been met with criticism from opposition parties and citizens.
The government has stated that the agency will prioritize projects that are deemed essential for economic development and will work closely with municipalities and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
However, critics of the bill argue that it gives too much power to the government and lacks proper oversight mechanisms. They also express concerns about the potential for corruption and favoritism in the selection of projects.
Despite these concerns, the government remains confident that the Mobilite Infra-Quebec agency will bring much-needed improvements to the province’s infrastructure. The agency is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2021.
In conclusion, the adoption of Bill 61 marks a significant step towards improving infrastructure development in Quebec. While there are valid concerns about the agency’s power and transparency, it is clear that the government is committed to addressing the province’s infrastructure needs and believes that the Mobilite Infra-Quebec agency will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
