Liberal strongholds on Montreals West Island

A couple of top economists are now Liberal MNAs who will sit in the National Assembly.

LaurentianBank chief economist Carlos Leitao took the riding of Robert-Baldwin, and Bank of Canada economist MartinCoiteuxwon in the western-most riding of Nelligan.

• Riding profile: Nelligan
• Riding profile: Robert-Baldwin
• Riding profile: Marquette
• Riding profile: Jacques-Cartier

Leitao won about 86 per cent of the popular vote, whileCoiteuxgot about 83 per cent of voter support.

The Liberal Party has always ruled Montreals West Island, winning by margins of several thousand votes over rival candidates in theridingsofNelligan, Robert-Baldwin, Marquette and Jacques-Cartier.

Nelligan's seat wasvacated by former LiberalMNAand cabinet ministerYolandeJames. She announced ealrier this year she would be leaving politics to dedicate more time to her family.

In Robert-Baldwin,Liberal incumbentMNAPierreMarsanretired from politicshe won in 2012 by more than 23,000 votes.