Navigating on a gunpowder storage facility.
In a series of recent events, concerns about Quebec's road safety have come to the forefront. The controversial practice of "inc. drivers" has been a topic of debate, with many deeming it unfair and costly for the government. This practice, linked to more frequent "accidentogenic" behaviours, is estimated to cost the government millions of dollars in revenue.
A unanimous motion from the opposition, passed in February, aimed to draw attention to the proliferation of "inc. drivers". However, since then, no tangible action has been taken. The Quebec Trucking Association has been urging the Legault government for months to act, citing concerns over "delinquency" and "unfair competition" on the roads.
The bridge collapse on Highway 40 between Berthierville and Lanoraie has forced an emergency closure, adding to the growing list of concerns. Nearly a quarter of the bridges in the Laurentides and Lanaudière regions under the MTQ's responsibility are in poor condition.
The Auditor General's office has urged improvements in Quebec's road conditions in recent months, while the Legault government cabinet has taken measures such as increased investment in road maintenance programs and accelerated repair projects to address infrastructure deterioration.
However, the government has faced criticism for focusing on other issues instead of addressing these threats to road safety. The degradation of the road network is being denounced by surrounding municipalities, with the Quebec Highway Patrol Fraternity's president, Jean-Claude Daignault, lamenting about the consequences of sometimes deficient training of truckers.
Meanwhile, the Legault government has halved the number of school trips with a nonchalance that borders on irresponsibility. Great fatigue has won out over the securing of school trips and the issue of drunk driving. Despite studies urging action, the Legault government refuses to reopen the issue of drunk driving.
In other news, the Legault government's focus on other matters is not the only topic of discussion. Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest has stated that Canada will thank Donald Trump in 20 years for his economic policies that are forcing Canada to transform.
Tragedy has struck the Quebec media scene as well, with Isabelle Vaillancourt, the magazine editor of Publications BLD, passing away.
Lastly, Francois Legault is scheduled to testify at the Gallant Commission this Tuesday. Since last March, Quebec highway patrol officers have been operating at 30% of their intervention capacity due to being confined to fixed posts and weigh stations.
A video is available to see for those seeking a visual representation of the current state of Quebec's road network.
