Montreal North byelection: A closer look at the mayoral candidates

Four candidates are in the running to become the next mayor of Montreal North.

The position came open when Gilles Deguire stepped down in January after being charged with sexual assault against a minor.

Among the major challenges facing the borough's next mayor are its high crime and poverty rates.

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Montreal North was also the site of a protest earlier this month following the death Bony Jean-Pierre, a 46-year-old black man shot by police with a rubber or plastic bullet during a drug raid.

In the wake of the shooting, Montreal Noir, a new activist group, called on the candidates to address what it calls "systemic anti-black racism in Quebec."

The borough, which hugs the Rivière des Prairies and is roughly bordered by St-Michel and Industriel boulevards and Marie-Victorin Street, has one of the highest reported crime rates on the island, according to statistics provided by Montreal police. 

Nearly 30 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, according to a recent report by Centraide.

All four candidates say economic development should be a priority for the borough.

The byelection is set for April 24. 

Here is a list of the candidates:

Christine Black

• Équipe Denis Coderre pour Montréal

Christine Black, 34, has worked in Montreal North for 14 years.

She is the head of Centre des jeunes l'Escale and has been involved in several community organizations.

"I come with the experience of helping people, and that's what I'm interested in doing," she said.

Black said she wants to work to lower the borough's high poverty rate and boost the economy.

Kerlande Mibel 

• Projet Montréal

Kerlande Mibel, a marketing specialist and expert in economic development, is the founder of the International Black Economic Forum. She has been living in Montreal North since she was eight. 

Mibel said she is tired of people "bad-mouthing Montreal North."

"I'm running because I love Montreal North, and I want to work and make it better," she said.

Mibel said her priority is economic development. She also said she wants Montreal police to work more closely with visible minorities in the borough.

Jacques Massicotte 

• Independent

Jacques Massicotte, a longtime Montreal North resident, works as a freelance marketing consultant.

As mayor, he says he would make economic growth a priority.

He wants to create a beach along Rivière des Prairies to beautify the waterfront and draw more people to the area.

Rached Teffaha 

• Independent​

Rached Teffaha, an engineer by training, said he wants to bring change to the borough. 

In a statement, he said he will soon release a more complete platform.

"My commitments are to real actions — not big words and promises," he said.