Denis Coderre recruits another former rival ahead of municipal election

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre hasrecruitedanother former rival to his ranks ahead of this year'smunicipal election.

Ral Mnard, borough mayor forMercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, was formerly a member of the opposition party Coalition Montral.

Although Mnardhad declared his intention to join the mayor's party last March, the decision was only made official on Tuesday.

"I'm very proud to join quipe Denis Coderre. I feel that he brings strong leadership for Montreal,"Mnardtold reporters at city hall, flanked by Coderre.

The veteran politician is the latest to join the mayor's party, following on the heels of Cte-des-NeigesNotre-Dame-de-Grce Mayor Russell Copeman, another ex-member ofCoalitionMontral, and Richard Bergeron, the founder ofProjet Montral.

Coderre said Mnard is a "man of experience" who brings "integrity and ethics" to the party.

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"I've been saying since day one that everybody that wants to be part of the solution is welcome," he said.

quipeDenisCoderre now counts 33seats on city council. Projet Montralhas 17, and Coalition Montralhas two.

The municipal election is slated for November 2017.