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 whenGillesDeguirestepped down in January after being charged withsexual assault against a minor.

Among the major challenges facing the borough's next mayor are its high crime andpoverty 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 newactivist group, called on the candidatesto address what itcalls "systemic anti-black racism in Quebec."

The borough, which hugstheRivire des Prairies and is roughlybordered by St-Michel andIndustrielboulevardsand Marie-Victorin Street,hasone of the highest reported crime rates on the island, according to statistics provided by Montreal police.

Nearly 30per centof thepopulation lives below the poverty line, according to a recent report by Centraide.

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

The byelectionisset for April 24.

Here is a list of the candidates:

Christine Black

• quipe Denis Coderre pour Montral

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

She is the head ofCentre 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'shigh poverty rate and boostthe economy.

Kerlande Mibel

• Projet Montral

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

Mibelsaid 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.

JacquesMassicotte

• Independent

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

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

He wants to create a beachalongRiviredes Prairies to beautify the waterfront and draw more people to the area.

RachedTeffaha

• Independent

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

In a statement, he said he will soonrelease a more complete platform.

"My commitments are toreal actionsnot bigwords and promises," he said.