Longtime Montreal city councillor Marvin Rotrand not running for re-election
Longtime Montreal city councillor Marvin Rotrand says he will not be seeking reelection this coming November, after almost four decades in politics.
Rotrand states he is now a grandfather and wants to spend more time with his family.
“I used to say I work eight days a week, but now that I'm getting older, I'm working seven days a week,” quips the 70-year-old.
Rotrand is the city's longest-serving councillor, having spent the last 39 years representing the west-end district of Snowdon under eight different mayors.
He says he plans to throw his support behind his "once nemesis" Denis Coderre and endorse Lionel Perez for borough mayor of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-Côte-des-Neiges.
Mayor Valérie Plante and her Projet Montréal party, he insists, are too ideological.
Rotrand first entered politics in 1982, when he was part of a group that founded the Montreal citizen's movement. They would go on to help elect Jean Doré as mayor in 1986.
During his time in office, Rotrand has become a lightning rod for social causes.
“I've tried to represent the point of view of my constituents more than the point of view of my party at any time and I think people have come to welcome that,” he said, adding he has always despised the "party affiliation" political structure.
“We are the most confrontational, the least collegial, rigid party position. If one party says black, the other says white,” he notes. “It's destructive, it empowers too few people at the top.”
Rotrand admits he envies how Toronto does things -- there are no political parties and everyone is considered independent.
“I'm progressive. I admit that, but I'm pragmatic also and I believe people work hard for their living and the city as such can't do too much at one time with their tax dollars,” he states.
His greatest political achievement, he believes, is forcing Montreal police to be held accountable for its actions by pushing for the creation of the police ethics commission.
While Rotrand won't say what he plans to do in retirement, the life-long activist admits he will likely stay involved in social issues.
He says he plans to keep his position until the official transition of power on November 18.
That will give him a chance to send his Christmas cards from City Hall for the last time before taking some time off.
“Just a few days,” he insists.
The municipal election in Montreal will take place on Nov. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
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 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.