Philippe Schnobb, former president of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), has announced his candidacy with the Parti québécois for the upcoming provincial elections in Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques. His campaign aims to address what he terms years of “improvisation” and a “lack of vision” by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) regarding public transportation.
Candidacy Announcement
Schnobb made his official announcement during a press conference on Wednesday at Maison Théâtre, located on Ontario East in downtown Montreal. He was accompanied by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the leader of the Parti québécois. Schnobb is seeking to replace Manon Massé, the current representative from Québec solidaire, who has stated she will not run for re-election in 2026.
Experience and Background
Philippe Schnobb served as president of STM’s board for eight years starting in 2013. Before his tenure at STM, he spent nearly 27 years as a journalist and host at Radio-Canada. Most recently, he was involved in coordinating collective intervention strategies for the Village in Ville-Marie since May.
During the announcement, St-Pierre Plamondon praised Schnobb, stating that his expertise would contribute significantly to the Parti québécois’s goals.
Transport Vision
Reflecting on his time at STM, Schnobb emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive vision for the future of public transit in Montreal and across Quebec. He expressed disappointment regarding the setbacks caused by the pandemic and criticized the CAQ for failing to rejuvenate the transport plans developed prior to the health crisis.
- Schnobb noted that the province has not adequately funded public transportation initiatives.
- He believes the CAQ effectively dismantled progress made under previous leadership.
Financial Challenges Ahead
St-Pierre Plamondon acknowledged that a Parti québécois government would face significant financial challenges. He insisted that despite these hurdles, surrounding themselves with knowledgeable individuals can lead to successful reforms in transportation.
Independence and Future Aspirations
Schnobb declared his support for a referendum on Quebec independence during the first mandate, calling it a “project of society” that could enhance the province’s aspirations. He reminisced about past referendum experiences and expressed hope for renewed discussions on this essential matter.
Electoral Competition
The Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques riding has historically favored the Parti québécois but saw a shift with the rise of Québec solidaire in 2014. Presently, polling suggests that Québec solidaire leads with 39% of the vote, compared to the Parti québécois’s 29% as of February 3. Despite strong backing within his party, Schnobb will face competition for the party’s nomination, with details about the timeline for the investiture yet to be announced.
