With the kick-off of the upcoming Montreal municipal election campaign on the horizon this Friday, the political scene is already abuzz with activity. A notable development has been the departure of Julie Bélanger, the campaign manager for Projet Montréal, who has now joined Transition Montréal, the newly formed party led by mayoral hopeful Craig Sauvé. Sauvé expressed his excitement about working with Bélanger, emphasizing her crucial role in shaping the party’s strategies.
In response to Bélanger’s move, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the leader of Ensemble Montréal party and a mayoral candidate, expressed surprise and acknowledged their past collaboration.
The shake-up in Projet Montréal’s campaign leadership occurred just before another mayoral debate featuring Martinez Ferrada and another candidate, Rabouin. The debate, hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations (CORIM), focused on Montreal’s international presence and its role on the global stage.
Martinez Ferrada highlighted the need for Montreal to assert itself more assertively on the international front, citing the city’s potential to lead in various strategic sectors. Rabouin raised concerns about the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses in finding alternative markets.
Meanwhile, Sauvé outlined his vision for Montreal’s international relations, emphasizing the city’s role as a sanctuary for those fleeing political turmoil, a hub for academic excellence, and a champion for victims of ongoing conflicts across the globe.
These developments set the stage for a dynamic mayoral race as Montrealers prepare to cast their votes on November 2.
