CAISSE HOPES BBD, METROLINX WILL REACH SETTLEMENT

The Caisse de dépôt, which has a 30 per cent stake in Bombardier Transportation, hopes that a public spat with Ontario transportation agency Metrolinx can be resolved without a legal fight. “We’re very hopeful that that situation is resolved amicably,” CEO Michael Sabia said Friday. Earlier this month, Bombardier asked an Ontario court to impose an injunction in response to Metrolinx’s notice to terminate a $770-million contract for light rail vehicles in Toronto. The next court appearance is March 21. Metrolinx didn’t respond to Sabia’s comments, but referred to a statement last week by its chairman that called Bombardier’s late delivery of a pilot vehicle as “deeply disappointing.” The Caisse came to Bombardier’s rescue last year by purchasing a 30 per cent stake in its railway division for US$1.5 billion.