Former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler has endorsed the Conservatives in the Mount Royal riding–the same riding Cotler represented from 1999 to 2015.
Cotler, who served in former prime minister Paul Martin’s cabinet has been an avowed Liberal for decades. Mount Pleasant has been held by Liberal incumbent Anthony Housefather in the last three terms.
Although aggregated polling indicated the Mount Royal riding would likely remain a safe Liberal seat, with Housefather winning re-election, Cotler threw his hat behind Conservative candidate Neil Oberman.
Although Housefather, who is Jewish, became frustrated when the NDP tabled motions supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state and condemning Israel, Cotler has stuck with the Liberals.
Cotler previously advised Housefather to run as an independent instead of crossing the floor to join the Tories, while also stressing the strength of the Conservative candidate, who he eventually endorsed.
Oberman has been campaigning on issues including public safety, the economy, and foreign policy.
The Mount Royal riding includes areas such as Côte Saint-Luc, Hampstead, and parts of Côte-des-Neiges, which has the second largest Jewish population of any federal Canadian riding, second only to Thornhill.
Cotler has not publicly elaborated on his reasons for endorsing Oberman but has also endorsed other non-Liberal candidates such as the Bloc Quebecois’ Alexis Brunelle.
The endorsement comes as the candidate appointment deadline has passed on Monday, with only 18 days of campaigning left.