Quebec City is gearing up for its mayoral election as the November 2 municipal elections draw near. A recent survey by Leger in late September highlighted housing, homelessness, and transportation as the primary concerns in the provincial capital. With the election approaching, it’s crucial to understand where the city’s candidates stand on these critical issues.
**Bruno Marchand, Québec Forte et Fière**: Bruno Marchand, the 38th mayor of Quebec since 2021, is seeking re-election under the Québec Forte et Fière banner. During his first term, an agreement was reached for the construction of the Quebec City tramway, a project that had been in limbo for years but finally got the green light from the Legault government. Marchand aims to build 100,000 new housing units by 2040 and 5,000 family units by 2030. He has also advocated for a dedicated official to address homelessness, echoing similar calls made by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
**Sam Hamad, Leadership Québec**: Sam Hamad, a former Liberal MNA, is leading the new party Leadership Québec. Hamad has pledged to tackle homelessness issues in the Saint-Roch neighborhood and proposes an alternative to the tramway project, suggesting the construction of a Service rapide par bus system instead. The party estimates this alternative system would cost around $4.2 billion.
**Stéphane Lachance, Respect Citoyens**: Stéphane Lachance, an entrepreneur and co-founder of the movement Tramway non merci, is running with the Respect Citoyens party. Lachance criticizes the tramway project for impeding development and monopolizing resources. His platform emphasizes restoring property ownership access, enhancing public transit, and ensuring safety for residents.
**Jackie Smith, Transition Québec**: Jackie Smith, head of Transition Québec, emphasizes accessible housing, simple transport, and vibrant neighborhoods. The party proposes requirements for social and family housing in new projects and pledges $20 million annually for housing and homelessness support. Smith supports the tramway project and advocates for free public transit funded by an increase in the vehicle registration tax.
**Claude Villeneuve, Québec d’abord**: Claude Villeneuve, the leader of the Official Opposition, is heading the Québec d’abord party. Villeneuve aims to reduce homelessness and improve public transit infrastructure. The party plans to build 60,000 new housing units by 2037 and prioritize a human-centered approach to homelessness.
**Anne Guérette, Parti du Monde**: Anne Guérette, with Parti du Monde, proposes an alternative public transit project and emphasizes housing as a fundamental right. The party supports affordable housing construction, rental supply improvements, and enhancing property ownership access.
**Yves Laberge, Independent**: Independent candidate Yves Laberge opposes the tramway and third link projects. Laberge advocates for appropriate housing construction in collaboration with the private sector and encourages residents to live closer to their workplaces or schools to reduce traffic congestion.
**Claudine Martineau, Independent**: Independent candidate Claudine Martineau aims to eliminate waste and abuses. She supports local businesses by restoring parking spaces, opposes the tramway project, and seeks to provide increased support to community organizations.
Each candidate brings a unique perspective and proposed solutions to the forefront, shaping the discourse ahead of the upcoming mayoral election in Quebec City.
