MONTREAL – Federal party leaders take note: Mayor Denis Coderre presented his wishlist on Wednesday.
He spoke about social housing, improved infrastructure and collective public transit.
“We have some other social issues that don’t demand money, but it demands that the federal government takes its own responsibility regarding its society,” said Coderre.
He requested more funds be given to the police, restoring home mail delivery, getting rid of tolls on the new Champlain Bridge and installing safe injection sites for drug addicts.
“Montreal is an amazing gateway, this is a port of entry, this is Europe in America,” said Coderre.
“There are many, many issues so we have to consolidate what we already have.”
The total demand: $600 million.
He also asked for funds for Montreal’s upcoming 375th anniversary celebration in 2017.
Coderre has invited all the party leaders to meet with him to talk about his plan.
So far, all the leaders except for Prime Minister Stephen Harper have answered positively.
“I spoke to Stephen several times, if he’s not coming that’s his problem,” said Coderre.
“But I think that for the sake of Montrealers, the Prime Minister of Canada represents all Canadians and I think he should be there but it’s his problem. You can bring a horse to the river, you don’t force him to drink.”
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau will be the first to meet with Coderre on Thursday.
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