[Urban Sky]

Until anyone can produce a poll which suggests more-than-just-fringe support for independence amongst the QC electorate, this will remain a discussion which is as fictional as it is off-topic…

 

[Bordercollie]

I would be interested to see polling on, of all the bones that PP could throw Quebec, where enhanced rail sits. Given what has been done to Exo in recent years, the demise of the Charlevoix train, the failure to fund acquisition of the RDCs for Gaspé, and how much of the province is getting by without any daily service, I doubt it ranks as highly as some folk on this forum would like to tell themselves. I think “smaller federal government which doesn’t get in the Assembly’s way” is the more likely promise.

I'm not sure if Pierre needs votes from Quebec to win. He would have most of Ontario and then every province west until BC.

It comes down to if JT will step down and who the new leader is. If it's going to be someone in his current inside circle they have no hope in hell getting elected. It would be better if it was someone who was not a high level ranking member of parliament today.

If they happen to choose someone who is competent then votes may swing away from the NDP and Bloc.

 

[micheal_can]

I would be interested to see polling on, of all the bones that PP could throw Quebec, where enhanced rail sits. Given what has been done to Exo in recent years, the demise of the Charlevoix train, the failure to fund acquisition of the RDCs for Gaspé, and how much of the province is getting by without any daily service, I doubt it ranks as highly as some folk on this forum would like to tell themselves. I think “smaller federal government which doesn’t get in the Assembly’s way” is the more likely promise.

If you asked me what one thing would swing my vote, it would not be rail... TBH, I am not a one policy voter. I am a rare person that looks at the platform and wants what is good not just for me, but the country as a whole.

Having said that, the Gaspe is supposed to return in the next 2 years, which is likely before their provincial election. The Charlevoix train just stopped operations in 2024. Maybe having Via run it from the Quebec station would be enough. Giving money to return EXO service could also be something the future government could do.

The reality is, I have never seen Canada so fractured. Divisive politics has caused this.The last time it was this bad,we built the transcontinental railway. I doubt anything railway related would be enough. What would be enough?? That is for a different thread.

 

[Admiral Beez]

The reality is, I have never seen Canada so fractured. Divisive politics has caused this.The last time it was this bad,we built the transcontinental railway. I doubt anything railway related would be enough. What would be enough?? That is for a different thread.

A common enemy. Ideally dissatisfaction with infrastructure or transportation, but immigrants are more likely.

 

[micheal_can]

A common enemy. Ideally dissatisfaction with infrastructure or transportation, but immigrants are more likely.

Honestly, I doubt that would even be it.

 

[lenaitch]

Having said that, the Gaspe is supposed to return in the next 2 years, which is likely before their provincial election. The Charlevoix train just stopped operations in 2024. Maybe having Via run it from the Quebec station would be enough. Giving money to return EXO service could also be something the future government could do.

The future of Gaspe service is in the hands of the railway landlord and, it seems the Quebec government who are funding its restoration. At least there is freight revenue to support operating costs.

Charlevoix was a tourist train, not a passenger service. Should VIA takeover RMR and the Algoma Canyon trains as well? Neither of them ever were passenger routes serving the travelling public or enroute communities.

 

[micheal_can]

The future of Gaspe service is in the hands of the railway landlord and, it seems the Quebec government who are funding its restoration. At least there is freight revenue to support operating costs.

My understanding is it is being repaired/rebuilt for the return of both freight and passenger service. It is good that there is enough freight to warrant those repairs.

Charlevoix was a tourist train, not a passenger service. Should VIA takeover RMR and the Algoma Canyon trains as well? Neither of them ever were passenger routes serving the travelling public or enroute communities.

I am not going down that rabbit hole here.

 

[nfitz]

We should be careful about reading too much into the rise of the PQ government in the polls as any endorsement of any referendum. The PQ may just be in the lead by default as voters seem to be turned off by Francois Legault.

I wasn't even aware, and I am surprised to learn, that the PQ is ahead in the polls. That doesn't bring me comfort given the vibes I get while in Quebec. It's not that I get the feeling that there is a majority in support of separation. But there's a growing divide between the two Canadas on various issues, and if there starts to be socially-conservative vibes and religion emanating from the federal government, I think support could quickly change. We've seen before how quickly Quebec polling can swing.

So I wouldn’t say a referendum is some foregone conclusion.

No, of course not. But the PQ are committed to it. And I don't trust all the federal parties to have the stoicism and pragmatism to avoid a loss.

I don't see though that this has to impact HFR - yet. Though I think it's already dead, as I doubt there's enough support for this project outside of Trudeau's people.