Millions more in security funding pledged by Montreal mayor in re-election bid
Montreal mayoral candidate Valerie Plante made a campaign-defining pledge Saturday to spend $110 million on public security if re-elected.
The announcement came after a 19-year-old died due to gunshot wounds sustained during a particularly violent night in Montreal.
Plante's party, Projet Montreal, wrote in a news release the plan aims to "preserve the safe character" of the city.
The $110 million would be used to "fight against armed violence, criminal groups, and ensure the safety of Montreal neighborhoods," read a release outlining the plan.
The party would also encourage officers to remain working at neighbourhood stations for a minimum of three years to "promote proximity to the communities they serve," and to collaborate with community organizations.
Plante also promised $15 million over four years to deploy mediation and intervention teams accross the city in a continuation of the Équipe mobile de médiation et d’intervention sociale initiative, which was first piloted in August.
The plan also calls for a reserve fund of $15 million to "respond quickly to any urgent need" in public security.
"We know that safety is one of the main concerns of the population," said Plante. "We are the only team to have a precise and credible game plan in the matter."
It didn't take long for other parties to criticize that game plan, with Ensemble Montreal Public Security Spokesperson Abdelhaq Sari vowing his party would "do everything it can to bring safety back to Montreal" if elected.
“Time and time again, the Plante administration has demonstrated its lack of leadership, all the more blatantly in matters of public safety," read a statement from Sari. "Let us remember that even the Police Brotherhood vehemently criticized the mayor."
In August, an internal letter sent to members by brotherhood president Yves Francoeur read the Plante administration had a "poor understanding of public safety and has only supported police officers since it became an election issue."
For those keeping score, Mayor Plante has recently scaled up funding for police officers and community groups amid a spike in gun violence in the city.
Also in August, the city unveiled $5.5 million dollars in funding for the city's police force to hire 42 additional officers and civilian aides.
In September, Montreal carved $5 million more for community groups working to prevent violence.
"We must combat gun violence on all fronts," Plante said at the time. "Our administration deeply believes that the fight against organized crime and crime prevention must go hand in hand; that one cannot go without the other."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.