Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Alexis Deschênes, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj, plans on prioritizing the train, fisheries, and infrastructure during the fall session in Ottawa.

The Bloc MP attended his party’s caucus on September 8 and 9 in Quebec City in preparation for the parliamentary session that opened on September 15.

“…The return of passenger trains as soon as the rail line is completed. We know that in Port-Daniel, the locomotives and cars can travel on the rail line. We’re going to put maximum pressure on VIA Rail to get them to come back with their analysis, which they’re currently conducting, and to go back to the drawing board and tell us where they stand. What we’re hoping for is a partial return,” says Mr. Deschênes. “If that’s not the response we get, we’ll just increase the pressure until they change their minds,” he adds.

Mr. Deschênes hopes to see the federal government’s involvement in the next budget for rail to Gaspé. “Can the federal government contribute? We’ll exert pressure in that direction,” says the MP.

In other infrastructure, he notes the Port of Matane and the extension of the runway at the Magdalen Islands airport.

In the fisheries sector, the MP will prioritize the Fisheries Fund, which will need to be renewed, along with the diversification of export markets. “It’s really important. Money needs to be made available for this,” says the MP.

The pozzolan mine and the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse are also on his list of priorities, as he aims to bring these citizens’ demands to Ottawa.

In the upcoming budget, expected this fall, Alexis Deschênes hopes for a response to his concerns. “Funding to enable the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region to acquire infrastructure that will improve mobility and prosperity, and a renewed Fisheries Fund because it allows for innovation,” he says.
The big question will also remain, the size of the deficit, which could reach $100 million.

Mark Carney’s Liberal government will table a budget this fall. “We’ll see to what extent Mr. Carney has managed to outspend Justin Trudeau in just a few months, something we didn’t think possible,” the Bloc member emphasizes.

Over the summer, Mr. Deschênes built a team to support him in his role as MP.