With just over a week to go before Montrealers choose their next mayor, both Denis Coderre and Valerie Plante were out on the campaign trail Friday.
Coderre toured coffee brew maker Keurig's Montreal plant in Saint-Michel. He shook hands with plant employees and talked about how the city's economy continues to trend upward under his administration. He says 120,000 jobs have been created in the past year, while the city continues to boast a low employment rate.
But the mayor was also on the defensive after he was asked about a recent La Presse report on his administration spending $28 million of taxpayer money to expand the amphitheatre on Ile Sainte Helene.
The report indicates that as a result, Groupe CH, who owns the Montreal Canadiens and Evenko saved about a half million dollars per year.
Coderre called the move "an investment in infrastructure", and says it will help bring people from around the world to Montreal. In turn, that "new money" would be re-invested into the city so that Montrealers will be able to enjoy more and better services.
Meanwhile, Plante was in Cote-des-Neiges, talking slumlords and apartment buildings in poor condition. She says if elected, Projet Montreal will double the number of inspectors to check run-down buildings. She says with the current number of inspectors, it's difficult for them to follow up on whether issues have been resolved. Plante says in many cases, the problems aren't fixed.
Plante also promised a database would be created for tenants to be able to consult with before renting and moving into an apartment.
CJAD 800 has Election Night coverage Sunday, November 5th beginning at 8:00.