Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced on Tuesday that it will not take part in the Coalition Avenir Québec’s call for interest to develop the third link of the province’s major transportation corridor. The decision also means that CDPQ Infra, the Caisse’s infrastructure subsidiary, will have no role in the process.
The provincial government launched the call for interest earlier this year, inviting private and public partners to propose solutions for the third link, a new segment intended to expand capacity on the existing corridor. The request was part of a broader effort by the CAQ to accelerate infrastructure development and improve regional connectivity.
In a brief statement released at 08:00 GMT, the Caisse confirmed that it had reviewed the invitation but chose to remain outside the initiative. No further explanation was provided regarding the rationale behind the decision. CDPQ Infra, which manages a portfolio of transport and public‑works projects, likewise issued a short comment indicating that it would not be involved in any capacity.
The third link has been discussed by provincial officials as a key element in addressing traffic congestion and supporting economic growth across Quebec. While the CAQ continues to seek participants, the Caisse’s absence removes a potential source of capital and expertise that has been active in other large‑scale projects.
Observers note that the Caisse’s stance does not affect other aspects of the corridor’s development, as the government retains the option to pursue alternative partners. The call for interest remains open, and the CAQ has indicated that it will evaluate proposals as they are submitted.
The announcement comes at a time when the province is reviewing a range of infrastructure initiatives, balancing public funding with private investment. The Caisse’s decision underscores the selective nature of its involvement in large public‑private collaborations.
The CAQ has not indicated how the Caisse’s withdrawal will impact timelines for the third link, but the government says the project will proceed according to its established schedule.