Montrealers head to the polls to choose the next mayor of the city today, and Denis Coderre and Valerie Plante both touched on political experience during their final plea to voters.
Coderre touted his lengthy career in politics as one of his best assets, going back to his 16 years as a Member of Parliament. He told reporters one cannot invent experience, but must live it.
While Plante has only been an elected official for four years, she calls that an advantage. According to the Projet Montreal leader, Montrealers have reacted positively to the fact that she isn't a "formatic politician".
Coderre also spoke on his perceived arrogance, a frequent criticism thrown his way. He called it "determination", though he acknowledged the need to perhaps show a bit more humility at times. But Coderre doesn't make apologies, calling himself authentic and says "what you see is what you get".
The incumbent mayor says Montreal is back following the corruption that plagued previous administrations. But his opponent says by comparing his tenure as mayor to that of Gerald Tremblay and Michael Applebaum, he's setting the bar low, and says she has "more ambition for Montreal".
Both Plante and Coderre agreed on one thing - the most important thing is for Montrealers to get out and vote.
Park Extension residents get inaccurate voter card information; others don't get a card at all
An Equip Coderre councillor running for re-election in Park Extension is furious after over 5,700 residents had not received their voter reminder cards.
Mary Deros tells CTV the matter was brought to Election Montreal, who then sent out more cards. The problem is that many had wrong polling stations. She says some residents were being directed to vote in Riviere des Prairies, while others had polling station addresses as far west as Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
Election Montreal acknowledges a mistake was made, but Deros says the number of residents who had mistakes on their cards might be dissuaded from voting, which could make a big difference in election results.
Residents in other parts of the city are claiming they never even got their reminder card. Ted Wright says he moved to Montreal-West last year but didn't get anything in the mail because the city did not have his new address.
Wright says he went to a voting registration office to prove his new place of residence and was supposed to get a reminder card in the mail but it never showed up.
Pierre Laporte with Election Montreal says as long as your name is on the municipal list, you will be eligible to vote whether you have a reminder card or not.
There are several ways to ensure your name is on the list. You can call 514-872-VOTE (8683) or visit Election Montreal's website to find your polling station.
You will also need a piece of identification, which can include a medicare card, driver's license, Canadian passport, certificate of Indian status or a Canadian Armed Forces identification card.