With Montreal mayoral campaigning underway, former city councillor and political analyst Karim Boulos joined Global’s Andrea Howick to discuss the first week of campaigning by three candidates.
Incumbent mayor Denis Coderre was very active in his first week of campaigning.
Coderre made several campaign stops throughout the city and spoke on issues such as the cancellation of the Energy East pipeline project.
“He’s very adept at getting around and being seen,” said Boulos.
“Mr. Coderre is very popular.”
Earlier in the week, a coroner’s report was released on the death of Christine Vadnais, a Pointe-aux-Trembles woman who was mauled to death by a neighbour’s dog.
READ MORE: Coroner releases report into death of Christine Vadnais
Coderre was heavily scrutinized by the public for enforcing breed-specific legislation following the attack, a motion that may have cost him ballots.
“We have to keep in mind, according to a survey in 2016, that only 12 per cent of Montrealers have dogs,” said Boulos about the timing of the report.
“He’s already done his homework on what percentage of the vote he’s going to lose.”
Boulos acknowledged Projet Montréal’s Valérie Plante as “very likeable” and concerned with “our human elements.”
READ MORE: On the move: Meet Projet Montréal mayoral candidate Valérie Plante
Plante’s Projet Montréal focus lies within the everyday life of Montrealers; her focus is on traffic, public transit and getting around the city on a day-to-day basis.
“She’s going to be very strong in the central neighbourhoods,” Boulos said.
“Her challenge is going to be the business of running a city.”
Coalition Montreal’s Jean Fortier is returning to the public eye after walking away from a position at city hall 15 years ago.
READ MORE: Montreal elections 2017: Jean Fortier encourages transparency, efficiency
Boulos said Fortier has the experience to trim and streamline activities but isn’t quite sure how the public will respond to his campaign.
“He’s got the business acumen to run a city very well,” said Boulus of Fortier’s civic pedigree.
“I think Mr. Fortier is a little bit less of a popular character, I’m not sure how many people are gonna say,’Wow, I can see him representing me.'”
During Week 2 of the campaign Boulos expects:
- More door-to-door campaigning from the candidates and their teams
- Visiting the rationality of the election – East Montreal compared to West Montreal
- Specific groups to come forward with their issues
Have a question for the candidates in your neighbourhood?
Focus Montreal is hosting a series of televised debates in the leadup to Nov. 5.
E-mail us at montreal@globalnews.ca with subject line “Questions for my candidates.”