Alstom may take Montreal metro contract to WTO

The French engineering company Alstom says it may challenge Quebec's decision to favour Bombardier for a $1.2-billion contract to build cars for the Montreal metro system.

Speaking in Paris, Alstom president Patrick Kron said he was "furious" about the province's decision.

He said Alstom may appeal the decision to the World Trade Organization and the European Commission.

A previous supplier of subway cars for the metro, Alstom wanted the bid to go to public tender.

Last week, the Quebec government said it had approved negotiations with Montreal-based Bombardier for the replacement of 336 metro cars between 2010 and 2012.

The awarding of the contract became a political football because of the Quebec government's stated desire to support the province's transportation sector.

The design, manufacture and assembly of the metro-car fleet would take place at Bombardier's facilities in St. Bruno and La Pocatire, Que. Hundreds of workers at the plants could expect secure work for years to come.