Parity, diversity top of mind as parties present candidates in Montreal municipal election
There is still more than a month of campaigning left before Montrealers go to the polls in the municipal election.
Despite their differences, the candidates vying for the title of Montreal mayor do seem to agree on one thing: parity and diversity play an important role in forming a government that is representative of the city and its constituents.
Projet Montréal is presenting 103 candidates ahead of the Nov. 7 municipal election.
The party states it has 61 women (59 per cent) and 42 men (41 per cent) candidates.
In addition, Projet Montréal says it has 47 candidates (46 per cent) of "diversity."
"This team, equal and diverse, is not only a representation of the Montreal population, but is anchored in its daily life and its neighbourhoods to offer the city what it needs to develop fully," Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said.
Denis Coderre's party, Ensemble Montréal, boasts that 48 per cent of its candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including people from visible minorities and the LGBTQ+ community.
Ensemble Montréal has 38 women (45 per cent) and 46 men (55 per cent) that make up its 84 candidates.
"It is imperative for the party to represent all Montrealers," confirmed spokesperson Elizabeth Lemay.
Of the 36 candidates running with Balarama Holness's party, Mouvement Montréal, 16 are women (44 per cent) and 20 are men (56 per cent).
In addition, the party says there are 23 people of colour (64 per cent) running for office.
"Diversity and inclusion come naturally to us at Mouvement Montréal," the party said. "We have the most qualified, diverse and inclusive team in the 2021 municipal elections."
Mayoral candidate Marc-Antoine Desjardins's party, Ralliement pour Montréal, states after consulting with its team, it can confirm of the 24 candidates, 14 people (58 per cent) are "ethnically diverse," with nine who identify as female (38 per cent).
"These criteria did not play a role in the selection of our candidates," said Anne-Julie Labrecque, political attaché for Desjardins. "We do not wish to assume the gender or ethnicity of our team. We select our team by prioritizing their skills."
The Montreal municipal election is slated for Nov. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.