Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre is asking federal leaders for a one-on-one visit during the election campaign so that he can present them with a list of demands from the metropolis.

His list includes more funding for public transit and social housing, and a lack of tolls when the new Champlain Bridge is completed.

He said the leaders of all major parties have agreed to discuss the list -- except for Stephen Harper.

"I think that for the sake of Montrealers the prime minister represents all Canadians and he should be there, but that's his problem. You can lead a horse to the river but you can't make him drink," said the mayor.

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is scheduled to meet Coderre on Thursday, while Green party leader Elizabeth May will meet Coderre on Friday. 

Coderre said the process of making demands was successful during the provincial election.

"We're incourtanable [cannot be overlooked], the city of Montreal."

When asked -- repeatedly -- which party he preferred the former Liberal MP refused to say, but he did point out that both the Liberal party and the NDP support Montreal's opposition to tolls on the Champlain Bridge.

He added that as the second-largest city in the country Montreal deserved its fair share of federal spending, especially since the most recent federal budget promised $1 billion in public transit spending by 2019.

 

Coderre's list for Montreal

  • $200 million in annual federal transfer payments for public transit
  • Financing for a light rail system on the new Champlain Bridge
  • No tolls on the new Champlain Bridge
  • Ongoing funding for the lighting system to be installed on the Jacques Cartier Bridge
  • Allowing Montreal to decide which projects are public transit priorities
  • $342.5 million for short-term road and infrastructure construction projects
  • $77 million in annual transfers for ongoing construction and repair
  • Discussions among three levels of government for Montreal-area projects
  • Recognition of Montreal's expertise in dealing with homelessness, social work, etc...
  • $185 million for social housing construction
  • Federal plan to fight radicalization of youth
  • $1 million in annual funding for a centre to fight terrorism
  • $10 million for the Montreal police department
  • Abolishing the plan to eliminate home delivery of mail
  • Federal respect for the Supreme Court decision allowing supervised injection sites
  • Ceding the territory and control of the Old Port to allow more cruise ships
  • More funding for Radio-Canada and the CBC
  • Federal support to attract, finance, and expand international organizations
  • Respect for decisions by National Energy board on oil pipelines