A meaningful step toward greater municipal autonomy,” says a pleased Mayor Westram

Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram has joined the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) in commending the May 25 tabling of Bill 22 on expropriation. 

“The introduction of this bill is a meaningful step forward in terms of municipal autonomy. It is a historic demand by Quebec municipalities, by way of the UMQ, the organization that represents us in dealings with the government, and other stakeholders,” said Mayor Westram. “The bill is an important tool in planning our cities and towns, especially against the backdrop of climate change and housing shortages.”

Mayor Westram praised Premier François Legault, Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Geneviève Guilbault and Finance Minister Eric Girard, the MNA for Groulx, for their willingness to listen and especially their commitment to take action in this matter that is so critical to sound municipal management in Quebec. 

The devil is in the details

Although he was happy to see progress being made in this pivotal area, Mayor Westram indicated that he would wait to see the final bill before commenting further. “As the expression goes, the devil is in the details,” he said. “I have asked our team to monitor developments as they unfold to make sure we fully understand the consequences and repercussions of the bill in its current form and are aware of any parliamentary input that might have an impact on some of the finer points of the wording in the event the bill becomes law as the government intends.”

Mayor Westram concluded by emphasizing that this new piece of legislation, once it is enacted, will constitute another tool in the Town’s toolbox that will be instrumental in building a proud, green and prosperous community.