The 717 (with its reasonable cargo) is probably the best and cheapest 100 pax jet to operate in those short routes. For thiner loads, we all know RJs are not an option due to their limited cargo.
I'll bet there will be 78pax Dash 8s Q400 coming in the islands eventually. They are actually faster than any jets in legs below 300 miles due to their higher rate of climb and reasonable 350 knots speed. Out of production Saab 2000s were even faster. ATR 72 also would be a valid option, albeit somewhat slower.
Hydro-Quebec operates (between its different dams in the province) Q400 combis that permit different cargo/pax mix. Even on legs sometime over 1000 miles long, they are getting good operating savings.
The question now is to get passengers to fly it on thinner routes.

Anyone who have flown the Q400 can comment about the ride?

[This message has been edited by YUL (edited Mar 08, 2004).]