For the first time in its history, the City of Montreal will be governed by an executive committee made up of a majority of women, announced Wednesday the mayoress of Montreal, Valérie Plante, who also appointed a new head of public security and a new president at the head of the Société de transport de Montréal.
“It will be a predominantly female body, and I am very proud of it,” said Mme Plante, after the presentation of the members of its executive committee, at the Bonsecours Market, in Old Montreal.
“For me, anything is possible, because we have teams who are dedicated, and elected officials who are ready to roll up their sleeves and be creative and innovate. ”
The new executive committee, which is the equivalent of the council of ministers at the municipal level, has 14 members, including eight women, and three associate members, all of whom are women.
It is a social worker, municipal councilor Alain Vaillancourt, who was chosen as the new head of public security, at a time when the issue of security is at the forefront of Montrealers’ concerns due to the proliferation of shootings in some areas.
Mr. Vaillancourt has been a borough councilor in the Sud-Ouest sector since 2013.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The mayoress of Montreal, Valérie Plante, and the new head of public security, Alain Vaillancourt.
Mayor Plante stressed, during a press briefing held after the event, that Alain Vaillancourt’s experience as a social worker would be very relevant for this position. She recalled that security issues revolved around three axes: the fight against firearms trafficking, against criminal groups, and support for community organizations, with the aim of preventing violence.
“Mr. Vaillancourt has always been interested in several files, and public security is one that concerns him,” noted the mayor. The Southwest is a neighborhood where there is an increase in gun violence in some corners. Right now, we have an issue related to the increase in firearms trafficking, that is undeniable. ”
Caroline Bourgeois was previously responsible for public security on the executive committee. The election of Mme Bourgeois, by 303 majority votes, as mayor of Rivière-des-Prairies – Pointe-aux-Trembles is the subject of a judicial recount. She was therefore unable to take the oath last Thursday with her elected colleagues, and was unable to obtain a position on the executive committee.
Valérie Plante however indicated that other elected officials could possibly be appointed to the executive committee. “You should know that there are also associate advisers, she explained. There are currently recounts, but we did not want to wait to appoint our executive committee. But additions could be made. ”
Renewal at the STM
Valérie Plante also announced a new president for the board of directors of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM): Eric Allan Caldwell, city councilor in Mercier – Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, replaces the former president Philippe Schnobb, who held this position since 2013. Mr. Schobb announced last September that he would step down in December.
Since 2009, the chairman of the board of directors of the STM has not been elected. The appointment of Eric Allan Caldwell renews a tradition.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, PRESS ARCHIVES
The new chairman of the board of directors of the Société de transport de Montréal, Eric Alan Caldwell.
“Having the president of the STM seated around the executive committee table, to work jointly with the president in terms of finance, among other things, and with our mobility, planning and transport managers, that will really help to support even better the mission and objectives of the STM, ”said the mayor.
She did not hide the fact that the STM was facing many challenges, “related to funding and declining ridership”. But she also mentioned the “opportunities” to come for the para-municipal corporation, such as the extension of the blue line and the Eastern REM.
After the members of the executive committee were appointed, Valérie Plante stressed that this predominantly female executive committee was also more representative of Montreal’s diversity, while combining experience and renewal.
“We will be listening to Montrealers. We have the firm intention of including them in our efforts to transform the city, ”promised the mayor.
The executive committee will have its first meeting on Thursday morning.
The official opposition to the town hall reacted by welcoming “the presence of a majority of women and of several elected officials from the diversity within the executive committee of the City of Montreal”.
“We also congratulate Dominique Ollivier, the first black woman to assume the presidency. Our team reiterates its willingness to collaborate in order to advance municipal issues, ”said Aref Salem, leader of the official opposition, in a written statement.
Mme Plante chose not to appoint elected opposition members to its executive committee. The mayors of some important boroughs do not sit there either, such as the mayor of Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie, François Limoges, and the mayor of Villeray – Saint-Michel – Parc-Extension, Laurence Lavigne-Lalonde.
Composition of the new executive committee
● Valérie Plante, mayor, responsible for international relations, reconciliation with indigenous peoples, revitalization of the city center and international economic development;
● Dominique Ollivier, president of the executive committee, responsible for finance, human resources, government relations, the fight against racism and systemic discrimination and the French language;
● Benoit Dorais, vice-president of the executive committee, responsible for housing, real estate strategy and legal affairs;
● Ericka Alneus, responsible for culture and heritage;
● Robert Beaudry, responsible for town planning, citizen participation and democracy, as well as large parks, Mount Royal, sports and recreation, Espace pour la vie and Parc Jean-Drapeau;
● Josefina Blanco, responsible for diversity, social inclusion, homelessness and universal accessibility;
● Éric Alan Caldwell, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the STM;
● Marie-Andrée Mauger, responsible for ecological transition and the environment;
● Sophie Mauzerolle, responsible for transport and mobility;
● Magda Popeanu, responsible for organizational performance;
● Luc Rabouin, responsible for economic and commercial development, knowledge, innovation and design;
● Émilie Thuillier, responsible for infrastructure, buildings and asset maintenance;
● Alain Vaillancourt, head of public security;
● Maja Vodanovic, responsible for consultation with the districts and water.
Associate advisers
● Alia Hassan-Cournol, associate advisor to the mayor and reconciliation with indigenous peoples;
● Marianne Giguère, associate advisor for active transportation;
● Despina Sourias, Associate Advisor on the Status of Women, Diversity, Youth and Seniors.
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● Alex Norris, majority leader, who will participate in the meetings of the executive committee as a non-voting member.