It's with a sense of accomplishment that Marie-Claude Nichols, independent MNA for Vaudreuil, looks back on the last parliamentary session at the National Assembly.

Over the past few months, I've stood up several times in the House to call for changes to improve the quality of life of people here," says the MNA. I've made proposals, suggested solutions and put forward ideas, but the CAQ government, which is losing momentum, has shown little openness, confirming its lack of consideration for the citizens of our region. The people of our region are looking to the future, and they want to be opened up, to have public transit options, an environmental vision in major projects and economic vitality that isn't paralyzed by mobility problems," says the MP.

Mobility remains the priority

At the National Assembly, Marie-Claude Nichols spoke out several times during the winter session, denouncing the serious consequences of road congestion.

Among other things, she cited examples of families having to send their children to breakfast in the car every morning, youngsters missing nearly five hours of school a week because their bus is stuck in traffic, and local businesses seeing their clientele dwindle because of mobility problems on the territory.

She demanded that the Minister implement mitigating measures, including dynamic lane management, free travel at all times on Autoroute 30, synchronized traffic lights on Harwood Boulevard and the Autoroute 20 bypass.

Fortunately, after much insistence, the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable announced the reinstatement of dynamic traffic management as of May 27, as well as a new lane configuration on autoroute 40.

These changes should have been made earlier, as they have a real impact on the fluidity of transport on the region's road network.

Citizens' freedom of expression

Bill 57 on the protection of elected representatives was adopted at the end of the parliamentary session. It's a necessary bill, according to the MP, but it targets the wrong problem.

"There are clearly issues within our municipal democracy, and I agree that they need to be addressed, but the CAQ's bill mainly targets querulous citizens, rather than conflicts between elected officials. According to Ms. Nichols, this is targeting the wrong problem. All the elected officials who contacted me denounce the unhealthy climate within their council, the faulty procedures and the lack of supervision, not the members of the public who ask too many questions. I am particularly concerned about the consequences of this bill on freedom of expression and citizen participation. The CAQ has missed the real issue. It's a double standard! We're punishing insistent citizens, but there are no consequences for intimidating elected officials," she laments.

Marie-Claude Nichols fears that Bill 57 will not achieve its objectives, as was the case with Bill 49, which was intended to give more power to the Commission municipale du Québec.

Bills that make a difference

The MNA took part in the study of several bills in parliamentary committee, including the one on family law reform, a subject of particular interest to her who practised in this field as a lawyer for several years.

Among other things, the new reform requires separating common-law parents to share 50% each of the value of the family residence, furniture and motor vehicles used by the family and acquired after the child's birth. This long-awaited reform was studied in a spirit of respect and cooperation between the different political parties, which was much appreciated by Ms. Nichols.

An economic tour

A few weeks ago, the MP embarked on a tour of businesses and industries in her region, to get an accurate picture of the challenges and prospects of the economic environment. So far, she has visited Winpak and Mitchel Lincoln, and already has a full schedule of visits lined up for the summer and fall.

The next few weeks will allow the MP to spend more time in her riding, and to criss-cross the region to meet citizens. She wishes everyone a pleasant summer and invites the population to take advantage of the tourist attractions of the beautiful Vaudreuil region and its seven municipalities, which offer events all summer long, including festivals and block parties.