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.
WATCH BELOW: City unveils new standardized look for Montreal taxis
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.
“I don’t think they are going to do it,” said Almallah shaking his head.
Get weekly money news
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.
“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
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.
“We will have a surprise for them.”
The government says it plans to continue talks with the industry.