People, Potholes, and City Politics

Joseph Garcea is an assistant professor of political studies at the
University of Saskatchewan.

This is a detailed description and critical analysis of the municipal
politics and government both in the city of Montreal and in the regional
municipality known as the Montreal Urban Community.

The book consists of four major sections. The first section provides a
historical overview of politics and government in Montreal. Special
attention is given to the emergence and evolution of party politics in
that city.

The second section examines the institutional and organizational
features of local government in Montreal. In addition to an examination
of the core governmental institutions and bureaucratic structures that
make up City Hall, this section also examines various special-purpose
bodies that the author refers to as “paramunicipal corporations.”

The third section examines the regional government in the Montreal
area. This is one of the most succinct explanations of the structure and
functions of the Montreal Urban Community available in the literature.

The fourth section provides demographic and socioeconomic profiles of
the nine major districts of Montreal. Also included in these profiles is
information regarding educational, health, social, and recreational
services provided in each district.

Despite what might for some seem an undue focus on the nuts and bolts
of local government and politics in the Montreal area, this book is
quite interesting and useful. The book not only provides students and
practitioners of local government with insights on politics and
government in Montreal—it will also encourage them to reflect on
whether similar governmental structures and political dynamics exist in
their own municipality or in any other municipalities of interest to
them. The book also provides the reader with some interesting
perspectives for assessing the merits of the organization and operation
of municipal governments in other communities, as well as with a basis
for contemplating possible reforms.