But since the pandemic, Montreal has experienced, like other major North American cities, the disruption of inflation, rising housing prices and homelessness. We are also beginning to feel the tangible damage of climate change, with more intense and frequent rainfall causing flooding, at the same time as some of our infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life.
Montreal is facing this situation with limited financial resources, and the tax burden on our citizens is already too high. For all these challenges, we must be clear-sighted and determined to find solutions in the years to come. These changes will create new opportunities. We will take advantage of them to rebuild and renew our city. Montreal must always be more resilient, more beautiful, more inclusive and more prosperous.I came to politics as a mother of two and an anti-pollution activist. I helped ban chemical pesticides and clean up rivers on the island of Montreal. I learned to make alliances, create projects, mobilize citizens towards a common goal and achieve concrete results.
As mayor of Lachine, I have continued this collaborative approach with citizens. We revitalized our commercial street and planned its redevelopment. We have expanded our riverside parks so that everyone can enjoy our natural shorelines and bodies of water. Working with community organizations, professionals and developers, we planned Montreal's first major eco-district. We enabled the construction of hundreds of social housing units. And we strengthened our ties with our Kahnawake neighbors.
Since 2021, I've been a member of the executive committee responsible for water infrastructure and borough cooperation. I've learned to better understand the financial and technical challenges we'll have to overcome in the years to come. I've also discovered the rich diversity of our different neighborhoods and boroughs.
Four themes will fuel our discussions:
- Reducing the tax burden on Montrealers;
- Combating traffic congestion;
- Homelessness and housing;
- Safety and quality of life, for every neighbourhood.
Of course, social justice and the ecological transition cut across all these actions.I am convinced that our party, Projet Montréal, which was born in the central neighbourhoods of Montreal, can strengthen its ties with the outlying neighbourhoods to create a stronger, more united city. Montrealers have the strength, intelligence and creativity to rise to any challenge.
During the campaign, I'll be going out to meet you.
For more information: maja.ca