Montreal and Winnipeg residents exercised their democratic right today as they headed to the polls for byelections in their respective cities. The byelections, which were called due to the resignation of two city councillors, saw voters casting their ballots for new representatives.
In Montreal, voters in the borough of Saint-Laurent elected their new city councillor, while in Winnipeg, residents in the St. Boniface ward voted for their new city councillor.
The byelections were closely watched as they were seen as a test for the current political climate in both cities. In Montreal, the race in Saint-Laurent was particularly significant as it was the first time in over 20 years that the incumbent party, Projet Montréal, did not have a candidate running. This opened up the race for other parties to potentially gain a foothold in the borough.
In Winnipeg, the byelection in St. Boniface was also closely watched as it was seen as a potential indicator of the public’s opinion on the current city council and its handling of various issues, including the pandemic and infrastructure projects.
Both cities saw a high voter turnout, with many residents eager to have their voices heard and make a difference in their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic did not deter voters, as strict safety measures were put in place at polling stations to ensure the safety of all participants.
The results of the byelections are expected to have an impact on the future direction of both cities, as the newly elected councillors will have a say in important decisions and policies that will affect their constituents.
As the votes are being counted, the anticipation and excitement among residents and candidates alike is palpable. The outcome of these byelections will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Montreal and Winnipeg for years to come.
