QUESTION PERIOD — Transport
Samuel De Champlain Bridge
June 17, 2019
My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
The new Samuel De Champlain Bridge in Montreal, a project that was set in motion by the Conservative government, will be inaugurated a few days from now. Some Liberals are boasting that it was completed within budget, even though that budget was $4.2 billion. As usual, the government is hiding the true cost to taxpayers. For example, it has not published the additional expenses paid along the way or the amounts paid to partners for the elimination of tolls.
Leader, can you explain why Justin Trudeau refuses to be transparent about the real cost of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge, which will be paid for by all Canadians?
I thank the honourable senator for his question. I share with him the delight in knowing this bridge will soon be open fully for traffic.
Let me simply say with respect to costs, he will know there are elements of contract which are under litigation, and those negotiations and discussions have not yet concluded.
In May 2018, the government gave an extra $235 million to the Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group to guarantee delivery of the bridge on December 21, 2018. Six months later, the bridge is still not open. There was a $63-million payment for what you call excusable delays. The builder is also submitting claims for other additional costs. How much will it cost, in the end, to have cancelled the PPP to do away with the toll? I feel like saying enough with the whitewashing. The Liberals are being wasteful as usual. I just want to know the real cost of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge.
Again, senator, I have nothing to add to the question other than what I have said already. He will know that the Honourable Senator Housakos has raised this much earlier than the honourable senator and consistently.
