Craig Sauvé announces candidacy for Montreal mayor with new party Transition Montréal, pledging bold action on housing, homelessness, and climate.
A New Voice in Montreal’s Mayoral Race
Craig Sauvé, a long-time city councillor and former member of Projet Montréal, announced Thursday he will run for mayor under a newly launched party, Transition Montréal. The independent councillor for the Sud-Ouest borough made the announcement in Montreal, signaling a bold new entry in a race that had so far been dominated by two familiar political forces.
Challenging the Political Status Quo
Sauvé positioned his party as an alternative to the entrenched political rivalry between Projet Montréal and Ensemble Montréal. He emphasized a need for fresh leadership that prioritizes collaboration and solutions over partisanship. “Montrealers deserve more than two sides locked in opposition,” Sauvé said. “Transition Montréal will be a constructive force driven by good ideas.”
Facing Major Contenders This Fall
Sauvé’s entry sets the stage for a high-stakes contest against Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin and Ensemble Montréal’s Soraya Martinez Ferrada. Municipal elections are scheduled for this fall. While Sauvé served with Projet Montréal until late 2021, he has since sat as an independent following his departure over a historical sexual assault allegation, which he strongly denied. Police closed the investigation in early 2021.
Platform Focus: Housing, Climate, and Public Safety
At his campaign launch, Sauvé outlined the key issues his party aims to tackle — homelessness, affordable housing, climate change, public safety, and infrastructure. He proposed taxing luxury residential properties worth over $3.5 million to fund initiatives addressing homelessness. “We need to stop outsourcing compassion,” he said. “Every Montrealer deserves a place to sleep.”
Promising Bold, Municipal-Led Solutions
Transition Montréal, Sauvé said, will push for greater municipal control over public services and reduced dependence on private contractors. “Cities can’t always wait for higher levels of government. We need proactive leadership right now,” he stated, promising innovative approaches to governance and fiscal policy.
Political Background and Federal Experience
Sauvé’s political resume includes serving as a city councillor since 2013 and running as an NDP candidate in the 2021 federal election in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun. His mayoral campaign under a new banner marks a significant shift in Montreal’s political landscape, offering voters an alternative to the dominant parties.
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