A look at the race between candidates in Montreal’s Saint-Leonard–Saint-Michel riding

Five candidates are in the running in Montreal’s Saint-Leonard–Saint-Michel riding — typically a very safe Liberal seat.

Liberal Party candidate, Patricia Lattanzio, is looking to secure a third term as MP, after being elected in 2019 and re-elected with 69 per cent of the vote in 2021. 

“I’m sure that they look at everything and see which is best for Saint-Leonard, and that’s what they work on,” said Vicky Mancini, Saint-Leonard–Saint-Michel constituent. “I have a lot of confidence in Patricia.”

“We all know that it’s a Liberal riding here,” added another constituent of the riding, Antonio Di Re.

“We don’t even know who the candidate is for the Conservative Party — we don’t see any signs up,” he added. “That’s a little disappointing.”

Marwan El Attar is representing the NDP in the riding, Laurie Lelacheur for the Bloc Québécois, Caroline Mailloux for the People’s Party of Canada and Panagiota Koroneos for the Conservatives.

Saint-Leonard–Saint-Michel voters came out to make their voices heard Monday, on the last day of advance voting, and spelled out some of their concerns.

“The housing crisis really stresses me out,” said Simona Di Re, daughter of Antonio Di Re. “Also, my generation, how much debt we’re going to have to deal with is very scary.”

“Lately, in Saint-Leonard’s been having a lot of issues with crime and that’s one of my major concerns,” said Antonio.

“They have to help us or the people that are having a hard time with the expenditures and everything,” said Mancini.

“Especially lodging,” added Dave Cashulette, another constituent. “People have a hard time finding lodging and the price of lodging.”

“We’re very scared about what Trump is going to be doing,” explained Concetta Iacovodonato. “It’s going to affect us for sure, and we’re very worried about that.”

“I’m voting against Trump,” said Luc Thai. “So that’s why I think my vote is important — to be proud to be Canadian.”

El Attar says he is focused on housing and health-care.

“Because I grew up here, I know that the government has always thought of us as an afterthought,” said the NDP Candidate for Saint-Leonard–Saint-Michel. “And this is the problem.”

“I want to bring their voices to Ottawa,” he added. “I want to fight for them, defend them, and represent them.”

Lattanzio says the economy is the main concern for constituents.

“This election, the election of April 28th, is a most important election,” she said. “It is an election that puts into question our economy and how we can defeat these ongoing challenges that we receive every day.”

The remaining candidates were unavailable or unreachable for an interview.

“It’s very important for us to vote,” said Iacovodonato. “Because we want to vote for the people we want.”