Municipal Elections in Montreal and Toronto: A Tale of Two Cities

Strategic Insights -

The municipal elections in Montreal and Toronto seem worlds apart, with Montreal's traditional party politics and strong mayors creating a more intense campaign. However, beneath the surface, both cities share common concerns about the economy, taxes, and crime. Voters in both cities are restless and demanding answers from incumbents and newcomers alike. As the election approaches on November 14, candidates in both cities are vying for the top spot.

Key Takeaways:

  • The municipal elections in Montreal and Toronto are a tale of two cities, with Montreal's party politics and strong mayors creating a more intense campaign.
  • Both cities share common concerns about the economy, taxes, and crime, with voters demanding answers from incumbents and newcomers.
  • Voters in both cities are restless and concerned about the same issues, including the economy, taxes, crime, and the problems of being a cash-strapped central city in a region where other municipalities are draining off jobs, residents, and revenues.
  • In Montreal, Pierre Bourque, a former municipal public servant, is in a close race with incumbent Mayor Jean Dore, while in Toronto, businessman-turned-politician Gerry Meinzer is challenging front-runner Mayor June Rowlands and veteran city councillor Barbara Hall.
  • A poll conducted by the Environics Research Group for The Toronto Star showed Mrs. Rowlands leading in voter support with 46%, followed by Mr. Meinzer with 31%, and Ms. Hall with 20%.
  • Both cities have seen their economies and tax bases squeezed by the recession, with Montreal being more severely impacted due to high unemployment and debt problems.
  • Montreal's real unemployment rate is between 15 and 20%, while the unemployment rate in the City of Toronto is 7.4% (Statistics Canada).
  • Poverty in Montreal is deeply structurally rooted due to high unemployment even during the boom times, whereas Toronto benefits from being a hub with a stronger economy.
  • The two cities are different in terms of their role in the metropolitan federation, with Montreal being a more powerful central city, whereas Toronto is asking voters whether they favor eliminating the Metropolitan Toronto level of government.
  • All four candidates for mayor in Montreal have promised to demand a new deal from the Quebec government, including a share of the sales tax paid in the city, due to the province's recent debt problems.

Statistics:

  • Voter turnout in municipal elections in Toronto in 1991 was 43% (higher than usual due to intense interest in the mayoral race).
  • The unemployment rate in the City of Toronto is 7.4% (Statistics Canada).
  • The real unemployment rate in Montreal is between 15 and 20%.
  • 35.1% of eligible voters in Montreal turned out to vote in the last election in 1990.
  • 46% of voters in Toronto support Mayor June Rowlands (Environics Research Group poll).
  • 31% of voters in Toronto support Gerry Meinzer (Environics Research Group poll).
  • 20% of voters in Toronto support Barbara Hall (Environics Research Group poll).

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • The Toronto Star
  • Environics Research Group
  • Journal de Montreal
  • Groupe Leger & Leger
  • Statistics Canada