Public Consultations On New City Electoral Map

Vision Montreal leader Louise Harel says city council is too big, and she wants public consultations before Mayor Gérald Tremblay and his Union Montreal party vote on keeping the current municipal electoral map. Photograph by: John Kenney, Gazette files

Harel Wants Public Consultations On New City Electoral Map -- Montreal Gazette

MONTREAL - City council opposition leader Louise Harel is calling for public consultations before Mayor Gérald Tremblay and his ruling Union Montreal party vote to maintain the current municipal electoral map until 2017.

Harel, leader of Vision Montreal, said the current roster of 103 elected officials is bloated. She noted the numbers of municipal councillors in Calgary and Toronto are much smaller.

Read more ....

My Comment: Not going to happen. Mayor Gérald Tremblay and his ruling Union Montreal party like the system as is.

Opposition Blasts Mayor For Tax Hikes

Photo: Harel says she'll listen to what's in the budget and she will consider voting against it.

From CTV:

Montreal opposition leader Louise Harel says she will consider voting against the budget to be tabled Wednesday - a budget that will include major tax hikes.

People in the suburbs could be looking at a 13 per cent increase in taxes to pay for regional services, while people in the city of Montreal could face a six per cent tax hike.

Read more ....

My Comment: I have to laugh .... Louise Harel was one of the architects in the PQ Government that created this mes to begin with .... and she is complaining?

As to her demand to install road tolls .... that will be death knell for business in Montreal.

Plateau Plans To Scale Back On Snow Removal

The Plateau-Mont-Royal borough says it has to bring
snow clearing costs under control. (CTV File Photo)

From CTV News:

Plateau-Mont-Royal residents should prepare to see more snow on roads and sidewalks on weekends this winter since the borough plans to cut back on snow removal.

The borough intends to continue plowing snow on Saturday and Sundays, but the snow wouldn't be carted off in trucks until after the weekend.

Newly-elected Projet Montreal city councillor Alex Norris says the move is necessary to bring snow clearing costs under control.

"We estimate that every weekend we do that we can save $150, 000," said Norris.

Read more ....

My Comment: The cutbacks in services are now starting. Expect more in the next year or two.

Two opposition councillors on executive commitee

Photo: Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay was mum on his plans for the city's executive committee Monday. (CBC)

Two Opposition Councillors On Executive Commitee -- CTV

Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay has named two opposition councillors to the executive committee and he has also appointed himself as chairman of the powerful body.

Project Montreal Leader Richard Bergeron and Vision Montreal councillor Lyn Theriault will sit on the committee, which oversees all major projects in the city.

Read more ....

Update #1: Montreal mayor ruffles caucus feathers -- CBC
Update #2: Gérald Tremblay to open up executive committee -- Montreal Gazette

My Comment: I have my doubts that such a relationship will last .... but it is a good start and it will give Mayor Tremblay cover when the bad news from taxes to city corruption start to come in.

Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay Ready To Accept Tougher Contract Rules

Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay meets with reporters on Nov. 1, 2009, after being elected to a third term. Photograph by: Pierre Obendrauf, The Gazette

From The Montreal Gazette:

QUEBEC - Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay said Thursday on his way to a municipal summit of nine mayors with Municipal Affairs Minister Laurent Lessard that the city is ready to comply with Lessard’s proposals to tighten up the process for awarding municipal contracts.

“I have had discussions with the minister, Laurent Lessard, on numerous occasions and I offered him our full collaboration,” Tremblay told reporters.

Read more ....

My Comment: The Mayor does not have a choice. If he refused, the Quebec Government would only use their authority to make sure that their guidelines and rules be applied ... undercutting the Mayor in the process.

Montreal Election Results Still Hazy

Montreal election officials say they have had difficulty compiling
and transmitting election results. (CBC)

From The CBC:

Montreal election officials say it is unclear when the final results of Sunday’s municipal election will be announced.

Delays in many of the results from Montreal's municipal election on Sunday were caused by communication problems between polling stations and the central counting centre, said the city's election agency.

Read more ....

Montreal Mayor Says He Will Clean Up City Hall

Mayor Gerald Tremblay says there will be no new contracts until new rules for the awarding of contracts are set out. (CBC)

From The CBC:

Municipal contract tender process will change now that elections over.

Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay announced the city would limit new spending to only essential contracts pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of collusion and corruption in the construction industry.

The move comes a day after the conclusion of an election campaign that was dominated by scandal and allegations of corruption involving the Mob and construction companies.

Read more ....

My Comment: I do not think he is in a position to clean up City hall with the tools that are at his disposal right now. The City needs an independent outsider(s) to come in and clean it up. If the Mayor goes down this route, that is when I will then know that he is serious in cleaning up this mess.

Montreal Municipal Elections -- Complete News Roundup

Gérald Tremblay (left), Louise Harel (centre) and Richard Bergeron
fought a tight race for mayor in Montreal. (CBC)

Tremblay Wins Montreal Mayor Race -- CBC

Gérald Tremblay won a third straight term as mayor of Montreal despite a campaign dominated by allegations of corruption involving the Mob and construction companies.

Tremblay, who leads the Union Montréal municipal party, beat rivals Louise Harel and Richard Bergeron in a tight race Sunday.

The mayor said he is "conscious that the confidence of Montrealers has been put to the test."

"The citizens want change and we will incarnate that change," Tremblay said.

Read more ....

More News On Yesterday's Elections

Complete Election Coverage From The Montreal Gazette -- Montreal Gazette

Montreal Mayor Tremblay wins third term -- Montreal Gazette
Montreal mayor keeps his job -- Toronto Star
Tremblay re-elected mayor -- CTV
Voters' message is clear as mud -- Montreal Gazette
Projet Montréal shines in Plateau -- CBC
Harel: I'll continue to fight corruption -- Montreal Gazette
Tearful Forcillo thanks army of volunteers -- Montreal Gazette
Ex-cop poised to take over troubled part of city -- Montreal Gazette
For the most part, no serious delays in casting ballots -- Montreal Gazette
Harel after-vote party fizzles -- Montreal Gazette
Gerald Tremblay vows to rebuild public trust after narrow election victory -- Canadian Press

Round-up of suburban races -- CTV
Three mayors ousted -- Montreal Gazette

Beaconsfield voters boot Benedetti from office -- Montreal Gazette
Benedetti falls in West Island election -- CBC

LaSalle's Barbe rides apparent landslide -- Montreal Gazette

Steinberg clear winner in bitter race -- Montreal Gazette

Former Bloc MP elected as Longueuil mayor -- CBC
St-hilaire upsets in Longueuil -- Montreal Gazette

Vaillancourt wins 6th term as Laval mayor -- CBC
Vaillancourt sweeps council in repeat landslide -- Montreal Gazette

Labeaume cruises to mayoral victory in Quebec City -- CBC
Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume re-elected -- CTV

Sherbrooke has first new mayor in 15 years -- CBC

Gatineau Mayor Marc Bureau wins 2nd term -- CBC

Blame low turnout on cynicism - or disconnection -- Montreal Gazette
Get out your broom Mr. Mayor -- Montreal Gazette opinion
Rebalancing of power -- Montreal Gazette
Let's hope Tremblay is committed to reform -- Montreal Gazette

The Official Website For Election Montreal

MONTREAL, QUE.: NOVEMBER 1, 2009--Mayoralty candidate Louise Harel votes Sunday November 1, 2009 under the watchful eye of a scrutineer in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district of Montreal. Photograph by: Marcos Townsend, The Gazette

The official website for Electin Montreal is here.

The twitter address is here.

The official website that covers all Quebec municipal elections is here. (French only)

Montreal's Civic Election Leaves Mess For Next Mayor

Mayoral candidate Louise Harel mockingly applauds incumbent Gérald Tremblay, right, during a recent debate as the third candidate, Richard Bergeron, looks on. Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press

From The CBC:

A most memorable slogan for Montreal's mayoral race was splashed across the cover of this week's Maclean's magazine: "Montreal is a corrupt, crumbling, Mob-ridden disgrace."

That headline brutally summed up one of the most bizarre municipal elections in memory, which featured a disheartening drip of tales about Mafia influence in politics, inflated construction contracts and widespread corruption.

Read more ....

My Comment: Maclean's sums it up perfectly ..... "Montreal is a corrupt, crumbling, Mob-ridden disgrace." Throw in high taxes, former convicted FLQ members holding key positions inside Tremblay's administration, lousy municipal services, a transit system that fails to serve the West End .... you will have a very disgruntled electorate.

If Hamel was not a separatist, she would be walking away with a win in this election, but everyone's perception that she will be more of the same is unfortunately (and probably) true. This is a dead heat ..... and from where I stand anyone can win this election.

Montrealers Go To The Polls Today

From left: Montreal mayoral candidates Richard Bergeron (Projet Montréal), Louise Harel (Vision Montreal) and incumbent Gérald Tremblay (Union Montreal). Photograph by: John Mahoney, The Gazette

Poll Clerks Prime For Record Turnout -- Montreal Gazette

If the tendency from last week’s advance polls holds, election officials across the province face a busy day at the ballot box on Sunday.

Elections are being held in each of the province’s municipalities. In Montreal, Sunny weather, and temperatures expected to reach a seasonal 9C will encourage people to get out to vote.

Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pierre G. Laporte, a spokesperson for Montreal’s election office said last week 5.25 per cent of voters came out to advance polls, nearly double the number in the 2005 election. But Laporte said it’s too soon to tell if that means this election will exceed the dismal 35 per cent rate recorded in 2005.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Montreal Municipal Election

Montrealers vote Sunday after bizarre, scandal-plagued municipal campaign -- Canadian Press
Three main rivals for Montreal mayoralty wrap up campaigns -- Montreal Gazette
Mayoral hopefuls make final pleas for votes -- Montreal Gazette
Last day before voters head to the polls -- CTV
Montreal campaign hits final stretch -- CBC
Why Montrealers shy away from voting -- Montreal Gazette

Tight Race For Montreal Mayor

The November 9, 2009 edition of Maclean's magazine features a scathing report on municipal politics in Montreal. (Courtesy: macleans.ca)

From CTV:

With just two days left before the municipal election, a new poll finds there's no clear frontrunner in the race for mayor of Montreal.

An Angus Reid poll conducted for La Presse shows that Gerald Tremblay, Louise Harel and Richard Bergeron are in a statistical tie ahead of the Nov. 1 vote.

The survey was conducted Oct. 28-29 amongst 804 adult Montrealers.

Read more ....

Update: Montreal campaign hits final stretch -- CBC

My Comment: I do not know who is going to win on Sunday, but it appears that for Mayor Tremblay this election has become a disaster. What was suppose to be an easy win, is now an unknown result for him and his party.

Long Lineups In Advance Polls. Complaints. Are Starting To Come In

Voters are being encouraged to head to the polls, even if they are feeling cynical about municipal politics. (CTV File Photo)

From The Montreal Gazette:

There were long lineups at several polling stations Sunday as advanced voting in Montreal’s election got underway.

“It’s common for the lines to be long when polls open for advanced voting,” said Pierre Laporte, a spokesperson for Montreal’s election office.

Polls are open from noon until 8 p.m.

Laporte said within about two hours of the opening of polling stations most lineups had dissipated.

But the wait angered some voters.

Read more ....

Update: Large turnout at advance polls -- CTV

My Comment: I also went early to vote at my advanced poll. While going there I was concerned that since there was only one polling station for LaSalle, there was a very good chance that it would be packed.

It was.

After waiting for about 20 minutes, I realized that this was a waste of time and I just took off.

This advanced poll was not well planned at all. I have been to advanced polls for both Federal and Provincial elections, and I have never had a problem. But I am repeating myself .... this Municipal advanced poll was not well thought off. To begin, there should have been more advanced polling stations in a large city like LaSalle. (2) Why one day .... let advance polls be open for two days or three like they are for Provincial and Federal elections. (3) Not enough staff to take care of people who are asking questions when they got to the advanced poll .... and .... when waiting in line, all announcements were made in french .... ignoring the fact that there are many anglophones and allophones in LaSalle and that many of them do not understand French.

In summary ... a big F for this day. I can only hope that election day will not be as bad as it was today.

Montreal Election Mired In 'Mafia' Allegations

"I've been cleaning up for three years," Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay said Friday, hoping to be re-elected on Nov. 1, 2009. Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press

From The Toronto Star:

Claims of corruption – kickbacks, luxury yachts, even bombs – get more dramatic by the day.

MONTREAL–The image of the broom has been nearly worn out by mayoral contenders vowing to "clean up" Montreal's city hall, as the stench of corruption in its corridors gets worse.

"Only Projet Montréal can clean up city hall," said Richard Bergeron, quirky leader of the municipal party that's in third place in the polls.

Read more ....

More News On Montreal's Municipal Election

Montreal ready for another cleanup? -- Toronto Star
Playing politics at Montreal city hall -- National Post
Yacht visits allegations meet a wave of denials -- Montreal Gazette
They're all promising to bring back integrity -- Montreal Gazette
A little rogueishness is one thing -- Montreal Gazette opinion
There's really no choice except an inquiry -- Montreal Gazette editorial

Advance Polls Open Today In City Elections

File photo: Marjorie Empey cast her ballot during an advance poll in the borough of Pointe Claire in 2004. Photograph by: Pierre Obendrauf, The Gazette

From The Montreal Gazette:

'Crisis of confidence' Union of municipalities fears scandals might lower voter participation rates.

Advance polls open today at noon

Advance polls for Nov. 1 municipal elections are being held Sunday across the province. In some municipalities, advance polls will also be held Monday.

Advance polls are held from noon to 8 p.m. To vote, you must be on the electoral list and present photo ID such as a driver's licence, medicare card or passport.

On Nov. 1, voting will be held across Quebec from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Read more ....

My Comment: For me .... this is a protest vote .... only the small or local parties are going to get my vote.

Allegations And Denials Of Corruption At City Hall

Photo: Labonte told Radio-Canada that Harel knew companies illegally divided up big donations into smaller cheques to make them appear to be personal donations. (Courtesy: Radio-Canada).

Louise Harel Denies Labonte Claims -- CTV

Vision Montreal mayoral candidate Louise Harel denied her party took cash kickbacks to run its campaign as suggested by her ousted former colleague, Benoit Labonte.

Harel, surrounded by journalists in Montreal, said she has insisted upon above-board donations ever since she took over the party from Labonte earlier this year.

In an interview broadcast Thursday by Radio-Canada, Labonte said Harel knew that companies illegally divided up big donations into smaller cheques to make them appear to be personal donations.

Read more ....

Update: Tremblay, Harel deny Labonté allegations -- CBC

My Comment: If one wants to undermine our political institutions, corruption (even the perception of corruption) would be on the top of the list.

Labonté Deals Under Review

Vision Montreal candidate Benoit Labonte (Oct. 14, 2009)

From The Montreal Gazette:

Forced to drop out of campaign; Ville Marie checks contracts, subsidies that involve his former associates.

Benoit Labonté's borough is reviewing $180,000 in municipal contracts and subsidies that went to the firms of former members of his team.

Labonté is the outgoing borough mayor of Ville Marie who was forced to drop out of the Nov. 1 municipal election race on Sunday by Louise Harel, his Vision Montreal party's mayoral candidate, after media reports claimed that he and his entourage accepted clandestine cash contributions from businesspeople during his bid to become the party's leader in 2008.

Read more ....

Update: Allegations stain mayoral race in Montreal -- National Post

My Comment: His career is ruin. Even if he is innocent, it will be very difficult for him to shake this label.

Inquiry Into Municipal Corruption?

Photo: Former judge John Gomery says the scandals that have hit Montreal's two main municipal parties share a common thread with the sponsorship scandal. (CBC)

Gomery Calls For Inquiry Into Municipal Corruption -- CBC

Former head of federal sponship inquiry weighs in on Montreal election campaign.

The man who headed the federal inquiry into the sponsorship scandal is calling on the Quebec government to launch a similar investigation into political corruption in Montreal.

Retired Superior Court judge John Gomery, the honorary chair of a fundraising campaign by opposition party Projet Montréal, was reacting to scandals that have broken in the months leading up to the city’s Nov. 1 election.

Read more ....

Update: Mob linked to construction and politics in Quebec? -- CTV

My Comment: Justice Gomery is right. Even though he has a vested interest in one of the opposition parties, there does appear to be a level of corruption in City Hall that needs to be investigated. His recommendations should be adopted by all municipal parties after the election.

Last Debate For Montreal's Mayoral Office

Photo: Louise Harel, left, Richard Bergeron, centre, and Gerald Tremblay face off in the Radio-Canada debate. (CBC)

Harel Accuses Mayor's Staffer Of Leak -- Montreal Gazette

Makes allegation after debate; Ethics issue takes centre stage as three top candidates square off.

A mayoral debate Monday night pitting the three front-runners in the Montreal election campaign for the first time ended in a cacophony of fresh allegations - and fresh denials - of skullduggery and dirty dealings by the candidates' political machines.

Read more ....

Update: Ethics dominates municipal debate -- CTV

My Comment: Maybe it was a good thing to not see this spectacle in English.

Does A Sovereigntist HAve A Chance To Be Mayor In Montreal?

Photo: Mayoral challengers (left) Louise Harel and Richard Bergeron listen as incumbent Gérald Tremblay speaks at a recent symposium. The candidates' political pasts could come back to haunt them on voting day. Photograph by: JOHN MAHONEY, GAZETTE FILE, The Gazette

Referendum Revisited -- Monteal Gazette

For some Montreal voters, it matters whether the mayor is a federalist or a sovereignist.

Vision Montreal leader Louise Harel has worked for Quebec's sovereignty most of her life.

The incumbent mayor, Gérald Tremblay of Union Montreal, worked in the opposite direction, on the federalist side.

And Projet Montréal leader Richard Bergeron refuses to discuss the Quebec-in-Canada issue because he says it has nothing to do with the race for the mayor's office.

Read more ....

My Comment: It is hard to vote for someone like Louise Harel whose disrespect of the English community has always been there. But for some ... they will still vote for her. For me .... I definitely will not. That fact that her history in the PQ cabinet was one in which she was a tax and spend politician also does not help her case.