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Montreal taxi drivers skeptical about promise of compensation

Click to play video: 'Montreal taxi drivers skeptical about $250M compensation'
Montreal taxi drivers skeptical about $250M compensation
WATCH: Montreal taxi drivers say they don't believe the Quebec government's promise to compensate them for the loss in value of their permits. As Global's Phil Carpenter reports, $250 million was allocated to the industry in the province's 2018 budget – Mar 28, 2018

Montreal taxi drivers say they don’t believe the $250 million promise in Quebec’s 2018 budget to compensate them for the loss in value of their permits.

READ MORE: Will Quebec budget 2018 affect you? Short answer: yes

“We don’t trust you,” said taxi driver George Nassar, waiting in line for a pick-up at the Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport in Dorval.

There was a “Bye-bye Couillard” sticker on the back of his cab.

READ MORE: Quebec premier criticized for saying the government has too much money

Since the arrival of Uber, drivers insist the value of their permits plummet by tens of thousands of dollars and many of them are in financial ruin.

“We lost more than $100,000 or $125,000,” driver Daher Almallah told Global News.

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Taxi drivers say they’re skeptical because after years of complaining, it seems they were only promised compensation as the Oct. 1 provincial elections approach.

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Some say even if it happens, it’s not enough.

READ MORE: When it comes to the economy, Quebec has earned top bragging rights in Canada

“Because the government only talk,” added Nassar.  “We don’t respect them.”

Wilson Jean Paul, spokesperson for RTAM-Métallos, insisted the amount is much less than what they were asking for — but it’s better than nothing.

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“We asked the government for $438 million to compensate Montreal drivers, but if they give us $250 million, it’s something,” he pointed out.

WATCH BELOW: Quebec budget 2018: Carlos Leitao explains all the spending

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Quebec budget 2018: Carlos Leitao explains all the spending

The announcement was short on details about how the funds will be given out.

READ MORE: Taxi driver urges Quebec to change flat rate to Trudeau airport during construction

“We will wait for the election in October,” Nassar said winking.

The government says it plans to continue talks with the industry.

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