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Denis Coderre
Denis Coderre
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Denis Coderre PC (French pronunciation: [dəni kɔdɛʁ]; born July 25, 1963)[2] is a Canadian politician who served as the 44th mayor of Montreal from 2013 to 2017.

Key Information

Coderre was involved in federal politics as a member of the Liberal Party of Canada, serving as the member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Bourassa from 1997 until 2013 and Immigration Minister from 2002 to 2003. Taking office as mayor of Montreal in 2013, he saw his reelection bid defeated in 2017 by Valérie Plante. In 2021, he lost again to Plante.

As mayor, Coderre unveiled the Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) project in 2016 alongside Michael Sabia, then CEO of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ).[3]

Background

[edit]

Born in Joliette, Quebec, Coderre is the son of Elphege Coderre, a carpenter, and Lucie Baillargeon. The family moved to Montréal-Nord in 1973, where Coderre attended École Secondaire Henri-Bourassa and Cégep Marie-Victorin. He has a BA in political science from the Université de Montréal and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ottawa.[2]

Federal politics

[edit]

Unsuccessful Liberal candidate

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Coderre ran unsuccessfully three times prior to being elected: first, in the 1988 election in the riding of Joliette, losing to the Progressive Conservative candidate, Gaby Larrivée; second, in a 1990 by-election in the riding of Laurier—Sainte-Marie, losing to Gilles Duceppe; and third, in the 1993 elections in the riding of Bourassa, defeated by the Bloc Québécois candidate, Osvaldo Núñez.

Member of Parliament

[edit]

Coderre was elected as a member of Parliament in 1997 representing the riding of Bourassa, located in Montreal, and was re-elected in the 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2011 federal elections. In August 1999 he was appointed secretary of state for amateur sport.

Cabinet minister

[edit]

In January 2002, he was appointed immigration minister.

On December 12, 2003, prime minister Paul Martin advised governor general Adrienne Clarkson to appoint Coderre to the Cabinet as president of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada where he was responsible for a number of files, such as the creation of the new Public Service Human Resources Management Agency. He was also the federal interlocutor for Métis and non-status Indians, the minister responsible for La Francophonie and the minister responsible for the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution. Coderre was not re-appointed to Cabinet following the 2004 general election, despite being re-elected in his riding.

As minister of immigration, Coderre supervised the application of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which came into effect on June 28, 2002. As secretary of state for amateur sport, Coderre successfully negotiated a number of national and international agreements and helped to establish the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal.

Adil Charkaoui

As minister of immigration, Coderre was responsible for the detention of Adil Charkaoui, a Moroccan immigrant with a checkered travel history, on a security certificate. Restrictions on Charkaoui's conditional release were gradually lifted, and were cancelled in September 2009,[4][5] on his final release order by Federal Court judge Danièle Tremblay-Lamer.[6]

Sponsorship scandal

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During the events of the sponsorship scandal, Coderre was accused of frequent confidential conversations with Pierre Tremblay, head of the Communications Coordination Services Branch of Public Works.[7] Coderre has denied these allegations. His previous position as vice-president of public affairs for Le Groupe Polygone Éditeurs Inc. was judged to be a key connecting factor. [8] Close links to Claude Boulay of Groupe Everest, another actor in the sponsorship scandal, were also made during the Gomery Inquiry.[9]

Shane Doan incident

[edit]

During the 2006 election, Coderre accused National Hockey League player Shane Doan of uttering ethnic slurs directed against French-speaking referees at a game in Montreal. Coderre wrote a letter to the Canadian Olympic Committee asking them to keep Doan off Canada's 2006 hockey team competing at the Olympics in Turin, Italy. The Globe and Mail columnist Eric Duhatschek noted that "the NHL is tough on ethnic slurs ... if Mr. Coderre has any proof he should produce it. Otherwise he should just shut up." Hockey commentator John Davidson accused Coderre of "grandstanding" and criticized his accusation, saying that "a person shouldn't go stand on a platform and yell and scream about it when he doesn't even know the facts."[10]

Doan was given a gross misconduct penalty for verbal abuse of the officials at the end of the December 13, 2005 game between his team, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Montreal Canadiens. Referees and linesmen for the game were all Francophones from Quebec. Although one of the linesmen, Michel Cormier, filed a report against the player, Doan was cleared by NHL's chief disciplinarian and executive vice-president Colin Campbell, who concluded that the allegations were baseless. Doan himself has denied that he ever made the ethnic slur.[10]

In January 2006, Doan sued Coderre for character defamation seeking $250,000 in damages with Doan promising to donate all damages awarded to charities to benefit Canadians.[10] In April 2007, Coderre counter-sued Doan for defamation seeking $45,000 in damages.[11]

Opposition MP

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Coderre won re-election to the House of Commons in 2006, but the Liberals lost the campaign and became the official opposition. Coderre was the Liberal defence critic. In 2007, Coderre made allegations against the previous chief of Defence Staff general Rick Hillier of being a "prop".[12] Hillier, in return, accused Coderre of being more concerned with party image than in protecting Canadian Forces members.[13] In October 2007, Coderre made a self-planned visit to Afghanistan to visit the war-torn country and the Canadian Forces in the Kandahar region. He criticized the Harper government who did not invite him on an official tour of the country that was made by ministers Bev Oda and Maxime Bernier a few days before him. Consequently, Coderre, as Liberal defence critic, had to travel by himself at his own expense. He then mentioned that the mission in Afghanistan must change in 2009. The government had accused him of staging a stunt while he fired back that the Conservatives overestimated the success of the mission.[14]

Quebec lieutenant
[edit]

On January 22, 2009, Coderre became the Quebec lieutenant of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff. He had been offered the same assignment by former leader Stéphane Dion, but had declined the offer.[15]

In 2009, future Green Party of Canada co-leader Jonathan Pedneault sought the Liberal nomination in his home district of Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher. Coderre, the party's lieutenant in Quebec, blocked his bid and appointed a candidate, despite Ignatieff's assurances the party would hold open nominations in all ridings not represented by a sitting MP.[16] This prompted Pedneault to co-author an op-ed in La Presse calling on Ignatieff to uphold his promise to democratize the party.[17]

On September 28, 2009, Coderre resigned as Quebec lieutenant because of a disagreement with Ignatieff. Coderre had been tasked with picking 'star candidates' for the next election, attempting to replace Montreal-area MPs Stéphane Dion, Lise Zarac, and Bernard Patry, as well as Laval MP Raymonde Folco, at Ignatieff's request.[18] Coderre had chosen Nathalie Le Prohon to run in Outremont, formerly a Liberal safe seat held by the NDP's Thomas Mulcair. However, Martin Cauchon was seeking a return to politics and wanted to run in Outremont, a riding he had held for 11 years prior to 2004 when then-Liberal leader Paul Martin would not guarantee Cauchon's nomination. Cauchon had served as Jean Chrétien's minister of justice and Quebec lieutenant. Cauchon preferred to seek help from Alfred Apps from Toronto instead of talking to Coderre and his team. Cauchon and Coderre had previously been close when both were part of Chrétien's cabinet, but some suggest that Coderre now saw Cauchon as a potential rival for influence over the Quebec wing of the Liberals, and perhaps in a future leadership convention.[18][19] Ignatieff initially sided with Coderre, then reversed his decision and allowed Cauchon to run in Outremont.[19]

In Coderre's first press conference after resigning as Quebec lieutenant, he criticized Ignatieff's aides, all of whom were from Toronto. Coderre also skipped votes in the House of Commons in protest. Ignatieff later warned that Coderre would face expulsion from caucus if he did "any more damage to the party."[20]

In 2012, Coderre confirmed that he would not run for the leadership of the federal Liberal Party.[21]

Mayoralty

[edit]

2013 election

[edit]

Coderre resigned on June 2, 2013 to run for mayor of Montreal in the 2013 Montreal municipal election.[22][23] He formed the Montreal municipal party Équipe Denis Coderre pour Montréal (alternatively Équipe Denis Coderre) though he had no previous provincial or municipal experience. Coderre was elected mayor of Montreal on November 3, 2013.[24]

Spending of $410 million for Montréal's 375th anniversary in 2017

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Coderre's municipal government contributed $410 million for events and projects for Montreal's 375th anniversary, which took place in 2017.[25] The figure of 410 million means $241 per person in Montreal (population 1.7 million). The total spending for the festivities exceeded $1 billion. The rest came from Quebec, Ottawa and private sources.[25] For Montreal's contribution, the main achievements that remain include several sculptures in various parts of Montreal and some other beautification projects.[26] In addition, the Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal, to which Montreal was a major contributor, paid $9.5 million out of the total price of $40 million for the controversial light project of the Jacques Cartier Bridge.[26] Some have found that the costs of the celebrations have not been worth the benefits.[27]

2017 election

[edit]

Coderre ran for re-election in the 2017 Montreal municipal election on November 5, 2017.[28] In a surprise, Coderre lost the mayoral race to Valérie Plante, making her the first female elected Mayor for the city of Montréal.[29] After the election loss, he announced that he would be retiring from politics.[30]

Political positions

[edit]

Lawsuit by Hamza Chaoui

[edit]

On January 31, 2015, the Coderre administration denied a request to open an Islamic community centre in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood of Montreal because its imam Hamza Chaoui, had allegedly preached that Canadians ought to change their legal system to sharia.[31] Chaoui filed a lawsuit on July 9 for defamation against Coderre and the city of Montreal. Chaoui characterised Coderre's remarks as an attack on his dignity, honour and reputation.[32] Réal Ménard, the borough mayor of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, supported Coderre's position.[32]

Coderre jackhammer vs. mailbox stunt

[edit]

In August 2015, Coderre took a jackhammer to a Canada Post community mailbox foundation in l'Anse-à-l'Orme Nature Park. He was dismissive of concerns that his action was illegal. The Province of Quebec's Crown prosecutors office confirmed that Coderre would not face charges for the media stunt.[33]

Environmental issues

[edit]

From October 18, 2015 until October 25, 2015, Coderre authorized the dumping for 8 billion litres of untreated sewage into the Saint Lawrence River to facilitate repairs to Montreal's sewer system. The incident was widely criticized by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Infrastructure Canada, and a petition of over 55,000 signatures.[34]

On January 21, 2016, Coderre, along with other officials of the Montreal Metropolitan Community (Communauté Métropolitaine de Montréal), formally opposed the Energy East pipeline project based on environmental concerns.[35] His position was denounced by Conservative Party of Canada interim leader Rona Ambrose, Saskatchewan Party leader Brad Wall and Alberta Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean.[36][37][38]

Pit bull ban

[edit]

On September 27, 2016, Montreal passed a citywide pit bull ban. Coderre was an advocate for the bylaw, stating that "my duty as mayor of Montreal is making sure I am working for all Montrealers, and I am there to make sure they feel safe and that they are safe."[39] The bylaw creates a citywide ban on new pit bull-type dogs from being owned and added restrictions on those currently in the city. The bylaw also places new restrictions on all dogs and cats within the city and its 19 boroughs.[40] Animal protection groups such as the Montreal SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) stated that if the new bylaw passed they would take legal action against the city.[41]

On October 3, 2016, a Quebec judge temporarily suspended the pit bull ban part of the bylaw.[42] Two days later the judge decided to extend the suspension on the grounds that the bylaw was too vague and imprecise, claiming that "this court has the impression that certain articles of the bylaw were written in haste."[43] An appeal court overturned the decision and Coderre's pit bull ban was in effect in Montreal from December 1, 2016[44] to December 20, 2017, when the administration of new mayor Valérie Plante repealed it in favor of a new animal by-law that didn't target specific breeds.[45][46] Opposition to Coderre's pit bull ban was an electoral issue during the 2017 Montreal municipal election.[47][48]

Post-mayoral career

[edit]

Coderre was an administrator of Eurostar from 2018 to 2021,[49] as well as a special advisor for the FIA since 2019.[50]

After much speculation, Coderre had announced his intention to run for mayor of Montreal in the 2021 Montreal municipal election.[51] On April 7, 2021 he became leader of the municipal party Ensemble Montréal, which was formerly called Équipe Denis Coderre.[52][53] On November 7, 2021, he was defeated once again by Valérie Plante. After the election loss, he announced once again that he would be retiring from politics.[54]

In April 2023, Coderre suffered a mild stroke.[55]

Coderre was a candidate in the 2025 Quebec Liberal Party leadership election.[56] He was disqualified by the party's Electoral Committee on February 7, 2025. While no reason for the move was issued publicly, the action followed reports that Coderre owed more than $130,000 in provincial taxes and more than $266,000 to the Canada Revenue Agency.[57]

In May 2025, Coderre endorsed Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime in his by-election bid in Arthabaska.[58]

In July 2025, Coderre announced that he was "turning the page" on politics and took a role with Résidences Soleil.[59]

In 2026 Coderre was named president of the Montréal Toundra of the Basketball Super League [60]

Honours

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Ribbon Description Notes
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for Canada
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Canada

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Denis Coderre (born July 25, 1963) is a Canadian who represented the federal riding of Bourassa as a Liberal from 1997 to 2013 and served as the 44th from 2013 to 2017. Prior to entering politics, Coderre worked as a radio , public , and broker. In federal politics, Coderre held several cabinet positions under Prime Minister and , including for Amateur Sport, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and President of the Queen's Privy Council. He was recognized for efforts such as leading Canada's support for Toronto's 2008 Olympic bid. As mayor, Coderre focused on restoring integrity to city hall following corruption scandals exposed by the , establishing initiatives like the Order of Montreal to honor distinguished citizens. His administration encountered controversies, including the handling of the 2017 race, where an auditor general report alleged rule circumvention, though a related lawsuit was later rejected by a . Coderre received honors such as the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Commander of the Ordre de la Pléiade in 2005. After electoral defeats in 2017 and 2021 mayoral races, he pursued the leadership in 2024 but was rejected in 2025, subsequently announcing his retirement from active politics to pursue other endeavors.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Denis Coderre was born on July 25, 1963, in , . He is the son of Elphège Coderre, a carpenter, and Lucie Baillargeon, a . The Coderre family traces its origins to French settlers in , where it remains common among French-Canadian lineages. Coderre spent his childhood in the rural village of Saint-Adolphe-de-Rodriguez, situated about 100 km north of Montreal, in a modest working-class setting characteristic of mid-20th-century communities. His parents instilled values of honesty and outspokenness, which he later credited as formative influences.

Professional Beginnings

Coderre pursued a in and following his education in at the . From 1990 to 1993, he worked as a radio host at CKVL, a Montreal-area station. He also operated as a broker during this early professional phase. In parallel, Coderre entered , serving as vice-president of public affairs at Groupe Polygone, a firm specializing in communications and . He held senior roles within the Quebec branch of the Liberal Party of Canada and assisted federal cabinet minister Marcel Massé in administrative capacities. These positions honed his organizational and advocacy skills amid his growing involvement in Liberal Party activities, including leadership of the Young Federal Liberals Committee in the Bourassa riding during the 1980s. This groundwork in media, , and party operations positioned Coderre for electoral , though his initial bids for federal office faltered: he lost the 1988 election in to Progressive Conservative candidate René Laurin, followed by defeats in two subsequent attempts before securing the Bourassa nomination.

Federal Political Career

Entry into Parliament and Early Roles

Denis Coderre was first elected to the in the federal election on June 2, 1997, representing the Liberal Party in the riding of Bourassa, ./roles) This victory followed three prior unsuccessful federal candidacies for the Liberals in other ridings. Bourassa, encompassing diverse, working-class neighborhoods in northern , provided Coderre a base from which he served continuously as MP until 2013. As a newly elected backbench MP, Coderre participated in proceedings and activities during the 36th , focusing initially on constituency issues and party organization in . His rapid ascent within the Liberal ranks reflected his organizational skills and loyalty to Jean Chrétien's leadership. On August 3, 1999, Coderre was sworn into the Queen's and appointed responsible for Amateur Sport, a junior cabinet position overseeing federal support for sports development and funding programs like the Canadian Sport Participation Initiative. In this role until January 14, 2002, he advocated for increased investment in grassroots athletics and represented in international sports policy discussions, emphasizing accessibility for underrepresented communities./roles) This appointment marked his entry into government responsibilities, building on his prior experience as a Liberal organizer.

Cabinet Appointments and Responsibilities

Coderre was first appointed to cabinet on August 3, 1999, as for Amateur Sport by Prime Minister , serving in this junior ministerial role until January 14, 2002./roles) In this capacity, he assisted the Minister of Canadian Heritage in developing policies to support amateur athletic programs, including funding allocations and initiatives to enhance participation in sports among youth and underrepresented groups. Coderre initiated a consultancy project in January 2000 to explore solutions for long-term development, which contributed to foundational work on national sport frameworks. His tenure emphasized increasing federal investment in sport infrastructure and events, positioning him as an advocate for grassroots athletics despite the portfolio's limited visibility. On January 15, 2002, following a cabinet shuffle, Coderre was elevated to Minister of and , a full cabinet position he held until December 11, 2003./roles) Responsibilities included overseeing immigration admissions, refugee processing, citizenship applications, and enforcement of border security measures under the newly enacted (IRPA), which replaced the prior Immigration Act and introduced streamlined procedures for economic migrants while tightening asylum rules. He advanced regulations to license and oversee immigration consultants, aiming to curb fraudulent practices that had exploited applicants. Coderre also authorized the security certificate detention of individuals deemed national security risks, such as in 2003, invoking provisions allowing indefinite holding without trial for non-citizens suspected of terrorism ties. During his term, Canada admitted approximately 230,000 immigrants annually, with emphases on skilled workers and , amid debates over processing backlogs exceeding 800,000 cases. In the cabinet reshuffle of December 12, 2003, under Prime Minister , Coderre was reassigned to President of the Queen's Privy Council for , concurrently serving as Federal Interlocutor for and Non-Status Indians, Minister responsible for the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution, and Minister responsible for la Francophonie, roles he retained until the 2004 federal election./roles) As Privy Council President, he coordinated advice to the on orders-in-council and managed confidential government proceedings. The Federal Interlocutor role involved negotiating with and non-status Indian communities on land claims and self-government issues, building on prior federal outreach efforts./roles) In the residential schools portfolio, Coderre oversaw the initial process for survivor claims, processing hundreds of cases for compensation related to historical abuses, though the system faced criticism for delays and low approval rates./roles) His Francophonie responsibilities focused on advancing 's interests in the , including summit preparations and cultural diplomacy. These positions highlighted Coderre's shift toward Indigenous affairs and international representation amid the Liberal government's minority challenges.

Involvement in Sponsorship Scandal

Prior to his appointment as a cabinet minister, Denis Coderre served as vice-president of public affairs for Le Groupe Polygone, an advertising firm that secured federal sponsorship contracts during the period under scrutiny. In 1996, Coderre facilitated an introduction between Polygone executive Luc Lemay and Groupaction Marketing president Jean Brault, at a time when Polygone sought advertising partnerships; Lemay testified to this during the Gomery Commission hearings. Brault, who later pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges in the , described such networking as common, though Coderre maintained the meeting was routine and unrelated to improper dealings. Coderre maintained personal friendships with key figures benefiting from sponsorship allocations, including Claude Boulay, president of Groupe Everest, which received substantial contracts and whose executives donated significantly to the Liberal Party. Cabinet documents released in February 2004 highlighted concerns over Coderre's communications with officials regarding advertising files, prompting questions about potential influence-peddling, though no direct evidence of personal gain emerged. Coderre denied any knowledge of or participation in irregularities, asserting his interactions were standard parliamentary oversight. During the Gomery Commission inquiry into the sponsorship program, Coderre testified on January 25, 2005, reiterating his lack of involvement in contract awards or kickback schemes. The commission's proceedings scrutinized his pre-ministerial role and associations but did not implicate him in criminal misconduct; subsequent RCMP investigations into the scandal resulted in charges against other participants, but none against Coderre. His exclusion from Paul Martin's incoming cabinet in December 2003 was attributed by some observers to these ongoing probes, despite Martin's stated preference for scandal-free appointments. Coderre has consistently rejected accusations of complicity, framing them as politically motivated attacks amid Liberal infighting.

Shane Doan Controversy

In December 2005, during an NHL game between the Phoenix Coyotes and on December 13, Stéphane Auger issued Shane , the Coyotes' captain, a gross misconduct penalty for alleged abuse of officials, amid claims that Doan had directed an ethnic slur—reportedly targeting French-speaking officials—such as "fucking frogs." The NHL conducted an investigation and cleared Doan of the allegations, finding insufficient evidence to substantiate the slur. Denis Coderre, then a Liberal and former Minister of and with oversight of sports, publicly questioned Doan's character and suitability to represent internationally, referring the matter to on December 22, 2005, in opposition to Doan's potential inclusion on the national team for the . Coderre framed his stance as a defense against perceived in the NHL, emphasizing the need to protect francophone officials and portraying the incident as symptomatic of broader linguistic biases. This drew criticism from hockey officials, including president René Fasel, who decried political interference in athlete selections. On January 17, 2006, Doan filed a lawsuit against Coderre in , seeking $250,000 in and a public retraction, arguing that Coderre's statements were "false and defamatory" and had recklessly damaged his reputation without evidence. The dispute persisted for over four years, with Canadian opposition parties, including Liberals, citing the unresolved allegations to challenge Doan's Olympic captaincy in 2006, despite the NHL's prior . The parties reached an out-of-court settlement on August 27, 2010, with terms undisclosed; Doan expressed relief at closing the chapter, stating he was "incredibly happy" the matter was resolved, while neither side admitted liability. The episode resurfaced during Coderre's 2017 mayoral campaign, where critics highlighted it as emblematic of his combative style and tendency to leverage controversies for nationalist appeals, though Coderre maintained his position as a protector of Quebec's linguistic interests.

Opposition Period and Resignation

Following the Liberal Party's defeat in the January 2006 federal election, Denis Coderre continued to serve as the Member of Parliament for Bourassa in opposition under leader Stéphane Dion./roles) As part of the Official Opposition, Coderre acted as the Liberal defence critic, a role in which he publicly criticized former Chief of the Defence Staff Rick Hillier in 2007, accusing him of acting as a "propagandist" for the Conservative government during military operations in Afghanistan. He also served as critic for Public Works and Government Services from 2008 until November 2011, focusing on oversight of federal infrastructure and procurement amid ongoing scrutiny of the prior Sponsorship Scandal. In the lead-up to the 2008 federal election, Coderre supported Dion's campaign efforts in , though the Liberals suffered further losses nationally while he retained his seat with 42% of the vote. Following Michael Ignatieff's ascension to interim leadership in December 2008 and formal confirmation in May 2009, Coderre was appointed Quebec lieutenant on January 22, 2009, tasked with coordinating party strategy and operations in the province, alongside retaining his defence critic portfolio. However, internal tensions emerged over Ignatieff's reliance on Toronto-based advisers, which Coderre viewed as marginalizing Quebec voices within the party. On September 28, 2009, Coderre abruptly resigned from both his Quebec lieutenant and defence critic positions, stating he no longer possessed the "moral authority" or capacity to fulfill the roles effectively due to directives from Ignatieff's central team that undermined regional autonomy. He emphasized remaining a committed Liberal MP but highlighted frustrations with the leadership's approach to , including perceived favoritism toward anglophone influences, which exacerbated existing party divisions ahead of the next . Coderre continued as a backbench MP through the 2011 federal , where he secured re-election with 41% of the vote despite the Liberals' national collapse to third-party status under 19% overall. Coderre's federal tenure concluded with his resignation from on June 2, 2013, announced on May 16, 2013, to pursue the mayoralty in the November municipal . This decision followed years of speculation about his ambitions beyond federal politics, amid a shifting Liberal landscape and his expressed desire to address local issues in Quebec's largest city. His departure triggered a in Bourassa, marking the end of 16 years in the .

Mayoralty of Montreal

2013 Election Victory

Denis Coderre, a former federal Liberal and cabinet minister, entered the Montreal mayoral race as the leader of Équipe Denis Coderre, positioning himself as a strong advocate for restoring amid widespread scandals that had prompted the of mayor Gérald Tremblay in 2012 and interim mayor Michael Applebaum in . The campaign focused on key issues including municipal integrity, economic advocacy for , and administrative reform, with Coderre pledging to establish an inspector general's office to oversee city contracts and combat graft. Pre-election polls showed him leading with 39 percent support among decided voters. The election on November 3, 2013, featured a fragmented field of candidates, including Marcel Côté of Coalition Montréal, Louise Harel of another independent slate, and Richard Bergeron of , resulting in a plurality victory for Coderre with 31.8 percent of the vote—approximately 138,000 ballots—against Côté's 26 percent. was notably low at 42.3 percent, attributed to lingering public cynicism over prior scandals involving bid-rigging and kickbacks in city contracts. Coderre claimed victory shortly after polls closed, emphasizing unity and a commitment to prioritize Montreal's interests federally and provincially, while his party secured a majority of city council seats to enable swift implementation of reforms. This win marked Coderre's transition from federal to municipal leadership, ending a period of instability in city hall.

Key Administrative Initiatives

Coderre's administration prioritized renewal amid Montreal's aging urban systems. In , the committed $4.5 billion over three years to capital works, emphasizing repairs to deteriorating roads, water mains, and other critical assets, with the budget increased by nearly $800 million from prior plans. This initiative addressed longstanding maintenance backlogs, including sewer system upgrades along the . Subsequent programs expanded investments, reaching $5.2 billion for 2015-2018 and $6.39 billion for 2017-2019, incorporating $927.3 million for borough-level facilities and services. Urban mobility received significant attention through endorsement of the , an electrified network developed by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. In April 2016, Coderre participated in unveiling the project, projected to span 67 km with 26 stations. By November 2016, his administration advanced expansions, adding three downtown stations—Bassin Peel, McGill, and Édouard-Montpetit—to integrate with the existing métro system, aiming to alleviate congestion and promote . Economic development efforts included the October 2015 launch of PME MTL, a restructured network consolidating services for small and medium enterprises across . This initiative sought to cut , provide unified expert support for startups and expansions, and foster local business growth through funding and guidance. Preparations for Montreal's 375th anniversary in 2017 involved $329 million in capital allocations for events, , and beautification projects, such as sculptures and enhancements, though some expenditures drew scrutiny for cost premiums. Additional programs targeted technologies, including $7.6 million for innovative transportation systems and $6.3 million for dynamic optimization.

Controversial Policies and Decisions

During his tenure as mayor from 2013 to 2017, Denis Coderre implemented several policies that drew significant opposition, particularly regarding public safety measures and regulations. Critics argued that his administration prioritized rapid executive action over broader consultation, leading to legal challenges and public backlash. One of the most contentious decisions was the September 27, 2016, passage of a citywide banning the breeding, sale, and importation of -type dogs, including the , , , and any mixed breeds resembling them based on physical characteristics. The measure followed the August 5, 2016, fatal mauling of a 55-year-old in Pointe-aux-Trembles by two mixes, prompting Coderre to cite data indicating that such dogs accounted for 38% of severe attacks in despite comprising only 6% of the dog population. Existing owners were permitted to keep sterilized animals with muzzles and leashes required in public, but the bylaw faced immediate protests from advocates who contended that was ineffective and discriminatory, pointing to studies showing no inherent genetic predisposition to aggression in pit bulls when responsibly owned. A temporarily suspended enforcement on October 3, 2016, amid ongoing debate, though Coderre defended the haste as necessary for public safety, rejecting calls for more data-driven alternatives like stricter ownership regulations. Coderre's administration also enforced Bylaw P-6, a regulation aimed at curbing disruptive protests by requiring advance notice and permits for demonstrations involving masks or barriers, which opponents labeled as an infringement on free assembly rights stemming from post- student strike tensions. By February 2015, the city abandoned enforcement after a ruling deemed parts unconstitutional, forfeiting $1.2 million in fines from over 200 cases, with critics including groups arguing it disproportionately targeted anti-austerity and environmental activists. Coderre maintained the bylaw was essential for maintaining order, as evidenced by his support for police actions during union protests over reforms in 2014, where he endorsed firing public employees who blocked access to city hall and affirmed that costs would fall on unions rather than taxpayers. Additional friction arose from Coderre's handling of high-profile disruptions, such as the August 29, 2016, cancellation of National Energy Board hearings on the Energy East pipeline after protesters stormed the venue; Coderre, who opposed the project on environmental grounds, exited amid the chaos, later criticizing federal oversight while facing accusations of politicizing public consultations. These episodes underscored a pattern of prioritizing decisive governance, which supporters viewed as leadership amid Montreal's history of unrest but detractors saw as authoritarian, contributing to polarized relations with labor groups and activists.

2017 Election Loss

In the 2017 Montreal municipal election held on November 5, voter turnout reached approximately 42.46% of eligible electors. Incumbent Denis Coderre, leading Équipe Denis Coderre, sought re-election against Valérie Plante of , in a contest that polls indicated as tight in the final days. Plante secured victory with 51% of the vote and 239,202 ballots, compared to Coderre's 46% and 212,503 votes, marking an upset that made her 's first female . also gained a majority on city council, flipping several boroughs from Coderre's party. Coderre conceded defeat shortly after polls closed, announcing his immediate withdrawal from municipal politics after one term, stating he had no regrets about his record but accepted the results. The outcome reflected widespread voter dissatisfaction with Coderre's leadership style, with a late CROP poll showing 55% of respondents viewing him as arrogant, contributing to a campaign framed as a referendum on his personality rather than policy alone. Plante's campaign emphasized practical issues like extending the metro with a "pink line," reducing , and , contrasting with Coderre's defensive tactics, including limited debate participation and warnings of fiscal irresponsibility under . Several controversies eroded Coderre's support. The July 2017 electric car race, costing the city around $24 million in preparations including prolonged street closures, drew criticism for low paid attendance inflated by thousands of free tickets, highlighting perceived mismanagement of public funds and urban disruption. Similarly, preparations for Montreal's 375th anniversary included extravagant features like granite boulders on Mount Royal—derided as "stumps"—and an over-budget Fleuve-Montagne walkway exceeding $50 million, fueling accusations of wasteful spending on vanity projects. A pit bull ban, enacted after a fatal mauling by a pit bull-type dog, sparked backlash from animal advocates and dog owners who argued it unfairly targeted breeds without addressing ownership issues, further portraying Coderre as heavy-handed. These issues, combined with public fatigue from Coderre's combative approach, shifted momentum to Plante in the campaign's closing weeks.

Political Positions and Ideology

Economic and Fiscal Views

During his tenure as mayor of Montreal from 2013 to 2017, Denis Coderre pursued fiscal policies aimed at controlling expenditures and limiting property tax hikes while prioritizing infrastructure renewal. He implemented a hiring freeze on management positions one month after taking office and introduced salary reductions for executives, measures intended to curb administrative costs. Annual budgets under his administration featured modest residential tax increases, with commercial property rates rising by only 0.9 percent in both 2016 and 2017 to support business competitiveness. However, his successor, Valérie Plante, alleged that Coderre left an unexpected $358 million shortfall in the 2018 budget, attributing it to deferred obligations and optimistic projections. In municipal election campaigns, Coderre consistently pledged to cap property tax increases at or below inflation rates. During the 2013 race, he committed to no tax hikes or service cuts without qualification, later clarifying that such promises applied to city-wide aggregates rather than borough-specific variations. Reviving his bid in 2021 with , he promised to limit increases to 2 percent annually, arguing it would align with economic realities while funding essential services. Coderre's broader economic perspectives, outlined in his 2021 book, reflect a focus on urban revenue generation and intergovernmental fiscal adjustments. He advocated transferring a portion of Quebec's sales tax revenues to Montreal, stating, “Given Montreal’s importance to the productivity and revenues of the province, Quebec needs to transfer revenues from its sales tax to fund city needs.” To boost municipal finances, he proposed studying a profit-based commercial tax system over property assessments, offering tax incentives for suburban residents relocating to the city, and issuing bonds for public transit expansion as an alternative to relying solely on provincial or federal grants. These ideas underscore a pragmatic approach blending restraint with targeted incentives, though critics noted limited details on implementation amid Montreal's structural deficits. As a federal Liberal MP from 1997 to 2013, Coderre aligned with the party's shift under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from deficits to surpluses, supporting expenditure controls that eliminated the federal deficit by the 1997–1998 fiscal year. His mayoral emphasis on economic growth as the "top priority" echoed this, particularly in advocating for provincial support to enhance Montreal's competitiveness post-2014 recession concerns.

Social and Public Safety Stances

Coderre has consistently advocated for increased funding and resources for to address rising rates in . During his 2021 mayoral campaign, he pledged to hire 250 additional police officers for the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and emphasized improving officer training to enhance public safety. He positioned himself as a "law-and-order" candidate, criticizing opponents for insufficient action against and proposing more officers for high-risk areas like Mount Royal Park. Opposing movements to defund or disarm police, Coderre explicitly rejected such reforms, stating he would "better fund" rather than reduce police budgets, and vowed not to follow suggestions to remove firearms from certain officers—a policy advanced by rival Valérie Plante. As mayor from 2013 to 2017, he established a dedicated hate crimes unit within the SPVM and defended police leadership amid controversies, including operations, arguing against what he called a "public " of officers. On social issues, Coderre supported policies promoting immigrant integration and access to services. In 2017, he led efforts to designate Montreal a "," enabling non-status migrants to obtain like libraries and pools without fear of , a move unanimously approved by city council. This built on his earlier federal role as Minister of and , where he oversaw the 2002 , and reflected his emphasis on combating and fostering newcomer inclusion to maintain social peace. Regarding firearms, Coderre backed gun registries during his federal tenure; in 2012, as a Liberal MP, he urged to establish its own after the federal long-gun registry's abolition, citing the need for tracking in public safety efforts. As , his focus shifted to enforcement through bolstered policing amid Montreal's gun crime spikes, without endorsing stricter civilian controls.

Environmental and Urban Policies

As mayor of Montreal from 2013 to 2017, Denis Coderre prioritized urban transit expansion by endorsing the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM), a 67-kilometer automated light rail network announced on April 19, 2016, in partnership with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and federal officials, designed to link suburbs to downtown islands and reduce automobile dependency. The project, managed by CDPQ Infra, incorporated three additional stations and metro connections by November 2016, with an estimated cost exceeding CAD 6 billion, aiming to serve 145,000 daily passengers by enhancing regional connectivity. Coderre's environmental stance included vocal opposition to the Energy East pipeline on January 21, 2016, arguing it posed unacceptable risks to the ecosystem and public water supplies, a position shared with other municipalities despite economic benefits touted by proponents. He also initiated public consultations on fossil fuels in 2015, informing Montreal's contributions to the UN COP21 climate talks, emphasizing emission reductions and sustainable energy transitions. In green space preservation, Coderre pledged on October 26, 2014, to designate 10% of Montreal Island—approximately 18,000 hectares—as protected natural areas by 2017, building on prior commitments by acquiring an additional 1,000 hectares of forests and wetlands. This included transforming the 2.5-square-kilometer Saint-Michel Environmental Complex, a former , into a public park opened on , 2015, serving as a model for urban reclamation worldwide. To mitigate urban heat effects, his administration expanded green alley programs, allocating funds for vegetation and permeable surfaces in residential back alleys starting in 2017 campaigns, though rooted in earlier pilots. Urban planning under Coderre emphasized downtown densification via the 2016 Action Plan for the Downtown Strategy, directing growth toward central areas to bolster economic vitality while reinforcing and heritage elements. However, decisions permitting 5,000 housing units in the l'Anse-à-l'Orme greenfield site drew environmentalist backlash for prioritizing development over intact ecosystems, highlighting tensions between expansion and conservation. These policies reflected a pragmatic balance, leveraging transit investments for gains amid fiscal pressures, though critics in outlets like The Link questioned their net ecological impact.

Later Career and Retirement

Attempted Quebec Liberal Leadership Bid

In early 2025, Denis Coderre, former and long-time Liberal politician, sought the leadership of the (PLQ), which had lacked an elected leader since Philippe Couillard's resignation in October 2022. Coderre officially applied to enter the race, positioning himself as a potential revitalizer for the party amid its struggles in . However, as of February 1, 2025, concerns arose when he had not yet submitted all required documents to certify his candidacy, placing it in limbo. On February 7, 2025, the PLQ's electoral committee rejected Coderre's bid, deeming it inadmissible without providing a public explanation for the decision, though the party notified him via its X account and granted a five-day appeal window. This rejection came despite Coderre's extensive political resume, including his tenure as a federal Liberal MP from 1997 to 2004 and 2004 to 2013, and his role as a party organizer. Coderre opted not to appeal the ruling and formally withdrew from the race on February 12, 2025, stating that "there would have been no PLQ leadership race without him," implying his entry had spurred competition among other candidates. The episode highlighted internal PLQ dynamics, with some analysts suggesting the rejection reflected reservations about Coderre's controversial past, including his 2017 mayoral defeat amid scandals, though party officials did not confirm such motives. This marked the end of Coderre's most recent high-profile political ambition within the provincial Liberals.

Withdrawal from Politics

On July 22, 2025, Denis Coderre announced via Facebook that he was "turning the page" on his political career, stating he would no longer seek elected office after decades in public life. This followed his February 2025 withdrawal from the Quebec Liberal Party leadership race, where his candidacy was rejected by the party's electoral committee amid allegations of unpaid taxes and procedural leaks, which Coderre described as unfair and indicative of a "disconnected" party apparatus. At age 62, Coderre cited a desire to shift from partisan engagement to non-political contributions, explaining, "I no longer need to engage in partisan politics; I want to use my experience to move things forward with all my heart for the benefit of seniors." He reflected on a spanning over 30 years, including service as a federal Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2004, cabinet minister under Prime Ministers Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, and mayor of from 2013 to 2017, emphasizing achievements in federal-provincial relations and urban governance. In place of electoral pursuits, Coderre accepted a role as Social Mission Ambassador for Résidences Soleil, a private network of senior residences, aligning with his stated values of "generosity, solidarity, and mutual aid" in an apolitical capacity. This move marked a departure from earlier post-2021 mayoral defeat statements where he had indicated a full exit from politics, only to re-emerge for the provincial leadership bid.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Coderre was married to Chantale Renaud until their separation around 2018. The couple has two children, Geneviève and Alexandre, who were in their twenties as of 2016. In 2017, Coderre's son Alexandre pleaded guilty to fraudulently purchasing approximately $16,700 in online services using stolen credit card information. Following his separation from Renaud, Coderre entered a relationship with Rebecca Moreau, describing himself as deeply enamored with her in early 2020.

Public Persona and Interests

Coderre has maintained a public image characterized by high-energy engagement and a penchant for publicity stunts that highlight his accessibility and vigor, such as wielding a jackhammer to dismantle unauthorized structures or descending into sewers for infrastructure inspections during his mayoral tenure. This approach, often described as populist and hands-on, extended to his office decor featuring personalized Montreal Canadiens and Team Canada jerseys, reflecting a broader persona of gusto and glory-seeking in political and civic life. A notable personal interest is , which Coderre pursued through charity events, including the May 2019 "12 Rounds of Hope" fundraiser where he boxed to support programs for at-risk youth after intensive training that resulted in a 100-pound . He is also an avid sports enthusiast, particularly a vocal fan of the hockey team, publicly critiquing player performances on and fostering ties with the organization. In post-political roles, Coderre has channeled interests toward social advocacy, joining Les Résidences Soleil as Social Mission Ambassador in July 2025 to promote initiatives for elderly residents, aligning with his pattern of community-oriented public involvement.

Honours and Recognition

Official Awards and Titles

As a former President of the Queen's for from 2003 to 2004, Denis Coderre retains the lifelong honorific title "". This style is accorded to all members of the under Canadian convention. Coderre received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, recognizing his service as a during the fiftieth anniversary of the Queen's accession. He was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his contributions as an MP and cabinet minister on the sixtieth anniversary. In September 2022, Coderre was presented with the medal of Grand Officer of Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, an honorary distinction from the historic Canadian infantry regiment, during a attended by 200 guests.

References

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