The third link must not be made to the detriment of the environment, according to Quebec business people, who place the reduction of greenhouse gases at the top of their priorities, while the creation of highways is proving to be the last of their worries.

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In fact, only 18% of them consider that the creation of new highways is “high priority”, according to a Léger poll released Tuesday by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Quebec (CCIQ).

On the contrary, 58% of respondents from the business community say that it is "not important" to them while 23% explain that it is "important, but not a priority", making it the last priority that they identify in terms of mobility, among the seven offered to them.

Rather, it is the reduction of greenhouse gases that is at the top of their priorities, while 56% indicate that it is “high priority”.

The increase in the public transport offer (55%) and fluidity between the two shores (54%) come in second and third place.

However, only one in four respondents believe that the Quebec-Lévis tunnel in its current form will improve the environment. This proportion rises to 55% for the tramway.

“The third link offer must be improved at the environmental level for it to be accepted,” concludes Steeve Lavoie. “What you have to remember is that we no longer oppose the economy and the environment.”

This year, the CCIQ did not survey its members on their approval or otherwise of the 3rd link or tramway projects, saying it wanted to “get out of the usual paradigms of the classic you are for or against” and better understand their needs.

Barely 32% of respondents believe that the 3rd link will have a positive impact on the economic activity of their own company, compared to 29% for the tramway.

Nevertheless, 56% believe the tunnel will be good for economic activity in the region, compared to 45% for the tramway.

"At the tram level, we see that the environmental side is well seen, but perhaps a little less the economic one, so is there any way at the economic level that business people also find more account?” says Mr. Lavoie.

More details to come...