The Mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, has already begun her discussions on Wednesday with the Minister of Energy and the Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, also responsible for the metropolis, to let him know her priorities and her expectations for the next mandate.
Posted at 5:15 p.m.
Updated at 5:50 p.m.
Mme Plante rejoiced on Twitter at this appointment, calling it “a strong signal that confirms Montreal’s central place in the government’s priorities”.
“The priorities of Montreal and its region must be defended with conviction in the cabinet: public transit, affordability, development of the East, etc. The next mandate is an opportunity to build the green, inclusive and safe future desired by our populations,” continued the Mayor.
Valérie Plante is currently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to discuss the fight against climate change during the Summit of Mayors of the international organization C40.
Laval and Longueuil: priority for housing
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer
The Mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, and the Mayor of Longueuil, Catherine Fournier, were satisfied to see that there would be a minister dedicated entirely to housing, since this portfolio was assigned to France-Élaine Duranceau, a commercial real estate broker. This department was formerly twinned with municipal affairs.
“This is an extremely important issue, and the background by Mme Duranceau in real estate development should allow him to fully understand the financial issues related to this sector,” says Mr. Boyer.
Mme Fournier points out that the question of housing is the most important concern of the citizens of his city, with climate change, and says he hopes that the new minister will succeed in obtaining more funding for social housing.
PHOTO SARKA VANCUROVA, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE
The Mayor of Longueuil, Catherine Fournier
The two young mayors organized a major summit a few months ago to try to find solutions to the housing crisis that is hitting everywhere in Quebec.
The Mayor of Longueuil is enthusiastic about the idea of working with Suzanne Roy, appointed Minister of Families and responsible for Montérégie. The two women have known each other for several years, confides Mme Fournier. Mme Roy was mayor of Sainte-Julie and president of the Union des municipalités du Québec for several years.
“She knows the municipal world very well, thanks to her extensive experience, and she is up to date with the files,” emphasizes Catherine Fournier.
Stéphane Boyer, who hopes for several improvements to the transport networks in his city, welcomes the appointment of Geneviève Guilbault to the Ministry of Transport. He also welcomes the arrival of Christopher Skeete as Minister responsible for Laval and Immigration. “Seeing the speeches that are polarizing, it is important to make sure not to lose social peace,” he notes.