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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.