Controversial Lachine councillor drops out of race after switching loyalties to Coderre
After welcoming a controversial candidate into his fold this summer, mayoral candidate Denis Coderre announced Wednesday that she's quitting the race for what she described as personal and family reasons.
Julie-Pascale Provost, who was running for mayor of Lachine, was first elected in 2017 in the borough as a Projet Montreal councillor, alongside current mayor Valérie Plante.
But last October, she was kicked out of Projet Montreal after months of bad feelings and open accusations by Provost against her party, especially through YouTube videos she posted attacking her own party's proposed Lachine marina project.
At the time, however, a Projet Montreal spokesperson described her as simply difficult to work with, saying that since the 2017 election, Provost had had “weekly frictions” with fellow councillors as well as elected Lachine officials, volunteers and at city hall.
However, Coderre welcomed her as a member of Ensemble Montreal in June and helped kick off her campaign for borough mayor.
On Wednesday, Provost wrote on Facebook at around 4 p.m. that she withdrew her candidacy.
"It's a carefully considered decision, even if it's heavy to bear," she wrote, in French. "It's necessary for personal and family reasons."
Provost is a mother of four, according to her online biography.
Coderre wrote in a release shortly afterwards that he "acknowledged" her departure. She'll stay in her seat until the election, he said.
“I know how personally demanding politics can be and I fully respect her decision. I wish her the best of luck," Coderre was quoted as saying.
He said the party will put forward a new candidate in the mayoral slot: Josée Côté.
Provost urged voters to continue to support Coderre's party.
"I'm sure Team Ensemble Montréal will ensure sound management in accordance with the interests established by the Lachinois," she wrote.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.