Quebec cities, towns launch municipal campaigns

Election campaigns in more than 1,000 Quebec municipalities officially get underway Friday.

In Montreal, the campaign ahead of the Nov. 1 city council election is expected to be heated, with mayor Gérald Tremblay seeking a  third term in office against candidates Louise Harel, Richard Bergeron and Louise O'Sullivan.

Tremblay heads into the campaign as his administration braces for an auditors' report next week on the city's $356-million water meter scandal.

Laval Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt is also seeking re-election, against rival candidates Robert Bordeleau and David de Cotis.

In Quebec City, mayor Régis Labeaume has enjoyed high approval rates this year, and doesn't have any rivals yet in the election.

In Longueuil, Jacques Goyette and Caroline St-Hilaire are running for mayor.

Marc Bureau, Gatineau's incumbent mayor, is facing Tony Cannavino, a former police officer, and Aurèle Desjardins.