Montreal’s current mayor, Valérie Plante, has been vocal about the need for government assistance in addressing critical city issues such as homelessness and expanding public transportation. Recently, she urged the federal government to allocate more funds for cities to adapt to climate change.
With the upcoming municipal elections on Nov. 2, experts emphasize the importance of the next Montreal leader forming partnerships with other government levels to address complex challenges. Municipalities, including Montreal, are essential for providing basic services like water supply, road maintenance, and waste disposal. Despite this, they do not oversee healthcare, education, or immigration policies.
Rebecca Bligh, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, highlighted the financial strain on municipalities in managing housing, homelessness, and public safety. The FCM argues that the current funding model, primarily reliant on property taxes, is inadequate for cities like Montreal.
Danielle Pilette, a municipal affairs specialist, stressed the need for improved coordination among all government levels to tackle issues like homelessness effectively. Alison Smith, a professor at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of municipalities collaborating with other government tiers and local groups to address challenges.
Montreal’s ability to address issues like homelessness is influenced by zoning regulations and local government initiatives. Despite the division of powers between different government levels, the city can drive projects forward through effective regulation.
Municipal elections often experience low voter turnout, with Quebec’s 2021 turnout at 38%. Bligh emphasized the significance of citizens voting for candidates who prioritize crucial issues like housing and mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of community engagement in local governance decisions.