Bas-Saint-Laurent candidates face debate over highway vs. transit funding

In the Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata–Les Basques riding, incumbent Amélie Dionne of Coalition avenir Québec is campaigning for a second mandate by emphasizing her experience and local presence. Dionne has highlighted her efforts to engage with businesses regarding the impact of American tariffs on regional industries, such as forestry and manufacturing. She and colleague Julia Brillant-Ruest have also committed to relaunching the extension of Highway 20 from Le Bic toward Trois-Pistoles.

In contrast, the advocacy group ‘Le pont de la 20 ça tient pas debout’ is urging provincial candidates to commit to long-term funding for the Régie de transport du Bas-Saint-Laurent (RTBSL). The group criticizes the current allocation of transport budgets, noting that Quebec allocates only 30% of its Ministry of Transport budget to public transit compared to 70% in Ontario. Spokesperson Sébastien Rioux argues that instead of investing billions in new highway construction, resources should be redirected toward sustainable mobility and the existing road network, which he claims is deteriorating.