Projet Montréal leadership candidates explain why they're best to take on Denis Coderre

Before it can go up against Denis Coderre and his team in next year's municipal election, Projet Montréal, the Official Opposition at city hall, needs a leader.

At a debate Sunday, candidates Valérie Plante, Guillaume Lavoie and François Limoges worked to convince their party that they should take the reins.

According to interim leader Luc Ferrandez, the party is in good hands no matter who wins the leadership race Dec. 4.

"Guillaume had a strong vision, Valérie is a strong team builder and François is great at delivering punchy answers," he said.

Ferrandez, who has been interim leader since 2014, wouldn't comment on who he prefers since he's not allowed to as party leader.

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Guillaume Lavoie

He's the city councillor for the Marie-Victorin district and the Official Opposition's spokesperson for finance, government relations and international relations.

He said his biggest challenge of the debate was having a bit of a cold.

"I'm happy we were able to present our campaign as a new approach to city politics," Lavoie said.

"I want our movement to be the largest possible alternative to Coderre. I want us to become welcoming, reassuring, competent and credible."

He looks forward to helping Montrealers get through "the forest of orange cones" on the roads and provide more transportation options.

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François Limoges

He is the city councillor for the Saint-Édouard district and he joined Projet Montreal in 2006.

He focused his appeal to party members on teamwork.

"I can take strong personalities and make them work together," Limoges said.

"Denis Coderre is a one-man administration and I will work with an empowered team."

He added that despite Coderre's popularity in recent polls, "it's the most motivated who go vote and the most motivated don't believe in Coderre."

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Valérie Plante

She is the city councillor for the Sainte-Marie district and city council vice-president.

She said she had the clearest vision for the party, focusing on connecting with Montrealers and promoting equality.

 "I work with Coderre on a monthly basis and I see his style – that's he's always right and doesn't collaborate," Plante said.

"I will actually talk with people. That's my leadership style."

Some people consider Plante the most radical of the three candidates whose policies may not appeal to boroughs outside the ones currently held by Projet Montreal.

"It's weird to say 'radical' for what we've been accomplishing in the boroughs where we have leadership. For me, it's about getting the best practices, connecting them with the citizens and hearing what they have to say."

• Richard Bergeron leaves Projet Montréal to join Denis Coderre