Third Link Controversy Creates Early Rift in CAQ Leadership Contest
The race to replace Premier François Legault as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec has taken an unexpectedly contentious turn, with the controversial third link project between Quebec City and Lévis emerging as the first major point of division between candidates Bernard Drainville and Christine Fréchette.
Leadership Abilities Questioned in Heated Exchange
Only one week after both candidates officially entered the leadership contest, tensions spilled into the halls of Quebec's National Assembly this week. Drainville openly questioned Fréchette's leadership abilities, while she responded by criticizing his "lack of elegance" in their public exchanges.
Ironically, the source of this early conflict is the same issue that contributed to the CAQ government's declining popularity with voters two years ago. The proposed bridge and tunnel connection between Quebec City and Lévis has returned to haunt the party at a critical moment in its history.
Government Adrift During Leadership Transition
Despite Premier Legault's insistence that his government would not be put on pause during the leadership race, opposition parties have pointed to growing disarray within CAQ ranks. Interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay described the situation as "a sad spectacle," suggesting the government has forgotten its responsibility to govern.
"I think they need to look at each other and remind themselves that they are still in government and not in the schoolyard," Tanguay stated on Thursday. "What Quebecers are seeing is a sad spectacle."
Divergent Approaches to Contentious Infrastructure Project
The leadership candidates have adopted fundamentally different approaches to the third link project. Drainville, who represents the riding of Lévis, has been unequivocal in his support for the infrastructure initiative. When the CAQ government cancelled the project in April 2023, breaking a 2018 election promise, a visibly emotional Drainville publicly apologized to his constituents and vowed to resurrect the proposal.
In contrast, Fréchette has taken a more cautious stance, emphasizing the need for rigorous, dispassionate analysis before making any commitment. "It's a complex issue," Fréchette explained while standing in the legislature hallway. "I want to analyze the project rigorously and without emotion."
Financial and Political Stakes Remain High
Transport Minister Jonatan Julien recently revealed that the project's estimated cost ranges between $7 billion and $11 billion, adding significant financial weight to the political debate. Julien also noted that he cannot proceed with setting a budget or issuing tenders without consensus within CAQ ranks.
Polls indicate that voters in the Quebec City region remain skeptical about whether the CAQ government will ever actually proceed with the third link project. This skepticism reflects the political price the party has already paid for its previous waffling on the issue.
Regional Divisions and Local Opposition
The project faces opposition from various quarters, including Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand, who has expressed concerns about the proposed roadway and tunnel cutting through densely populated neighborhoods. The City of Lévis has also indicated a preference for the link to be built further east than currently proposed.
Beauce MNA Luc Provençal voiced concerns that the issue could devolve into a "Montreal-Quebec confrontation," since taxpayers across the province would ultimately foot the bill for the massive infrastructure project.
Leadership Test and Party Credibility
Drainville has framed the third link issue as a crucial test of leadership capability. "Being in the CAQ is being in favour of the third link," Drainville asserted while reading a prepared statement to reporters. "This is a test of her leadership. The ambivalence and hesitation of Mme. Fréchette does not send a good signal on this file."
Several CAQ MNAs have echoed concerns about party credibility. Charlevoix—Côte-de-Beaupré MNA Kariane Bourassa emphasized that "we cannot back up" on the promise, stating that "the credibility of our party and government is at stake."
Campaign Dynamics and Future Debates
The leadership contest continues to unfold with Drainville calling for additional debates beyond the two currently scheduled for March 21 and March 28. Fréchette has maintained that two debates should suffice before party members elect their new leader on April 12.
As the CAQ attempts to move past previous political missteps through the election of a new leader, the third link debate has resurfaced at what many consider the worst possible time. The infrastructure project that once contributed to the government's undoing with voters now threatens to divide the party during its first-ever leadership race.
