Montreal residents will cast their votes on November 2 to choose the city’s next mayor.
Craig Sauvé, the leader of Transition Montreal and a mayoral candidate, recently sat down with CityNews for an exclusive interview to discuss the upcoming municipal election in Montreal. Sauvé emphasized his focus on addressing homelessness and housing challenges in the city, outlining his plans to make a difference.
In a recent poll conducted by Segma Research, Ensemble Montreal leads with 26%, while Projet Montreal follows with 18%. Transition Montreal, however, saw a decline to 5% from 8% the previous week. Sauvé expressed disbelief in the poll results, citing strong support from the community through increased donations and volunteerism.
With a significant portion of Montreal voters still undecided, Sauvé shared his strategy to engage with them through upcoming debates and grassroots campaigning efforts. He highlighted the importance of presenting positive and inspiring political ideas rather than resorting to negative tactics.
Having served as a city councillor with Projet Montreal and independently, Sauvé explained that Transition Montreal offers a bold and progressive vision for the city, focusing on issues like taxing the ultra-rich, democratic reform, and public infrastructure development. This new party aims to provide fresh solutions that traditional parties have overlooked.
When asked about his priorities if elected, Sauvé emphasized the urgent need to address housing and homelessness. He proposed initiatives such as building more community cooperative housing and implementing a tax on the ultra-rich to fund homelessness interventions.
Acknowledging concerns about affordability driving residents away from Montreal, Sauvé stressed the importance of investing in cooperative non-profit housing to retain diverse communities and ensure long-term affordability. He cited successful models from cities like Vienna, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen as inspiration for sustainable housing solutions.
Looking ahead, Sauvé envisions a Montreal where residents wake up to a more affordable city that values its culture, celebrates diversity, and maintains a strong sense of community. He aims to create a future where everyone feels safe, supported, and proud to be a part of Montreal’s vibrant landscape.
