Cyclist Soraya Martinez claims to be a victim in the ongoing discussion regarding cycling lanes
In a debate moderated by independent journalist Maude Goyer on Tuesday night, three mayoral candidates discussed the need for spaces for citizens to express themselves beyond social media and addressed the social tensions that create divisions in Montreal, making democracy fragile.
The debate, organised by Transition en commun (TEC) and the Institute for New Democracy (INM), saw Craig Sauve, head of Transition Montreal, express the demand for more bike lanes in the city, stating that the next mayor will likely build more of them. Soraya Martinez Ferrada, head of Ensemble Montreal, who was chosen as the party's mayoral candidate for Montreal in October 2021, also emphasised the importance of bike safety and an internationally level bike network.
Martinez Ferrada, however, lamented that she cannot have a conversation about bike lanes without being called 'anti-bike' or 'pro-car.' In response, Luc Rabouin, head of Projet Montreal, invited her to 'reflect' on her position on cycling, accusing her of instrumentalising bike lanes for electoral purposes.
Malorie Flon, general director of the Institut du Nouveau Monde, noted a low voter turnout of 39% in the 2021 municipal elections in Quebec. The INM aims to increase participation in democratic life, while Transition en commun brings together citizen groups, community organisations, public institutions, and specialised researchers in socio-ecological transition to transform the city, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, system by system.
The candidates also discussed less frequented areas in the Eastern Townships, such as Bromont, Granby, Sutton, Magog, or Orford, and Martinez Ferrada plans to conduct an audit of the bike network to ensure the paths are 'well-arranged and safe.' She also insists on 'maintenance [of the paths] and sharing the road with all users, including pedestrians, merchants, cars, and cyclists.'
Meanwhile, Ensemble Montréal's candidate in Rosemont is Lorraine Pintal. The segment aired on RDI was criticised for alleged 'antisemitic' remarks, leading to the suspension of journalist Elisa Serret.
In other news, a 22-year-old suspect allegedly confessed to shooting influential ultra-conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Discord. The details of this incident are still under investigation.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
