Of the 91 candidates known so far, 79 are linked to the Longest Ballot Committee, a group protesting Canada's first-past-the-post voting system.

LaSalle-Émard-Verdun byelection to have most candidates in federal election history

Of the 91 candidates known so far, 79 are linked to the Longest Ballot Committee, a group protesting Canada's first-past-the-post voting system.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned in 2015 on a promise that it would be the last federal election under the first-past-the-post system, but then broke that vow in 2017. “What we’re seeing here is that when rational discussion doesn’t work, then advocates of change turn to mockery,” Pilon said. “Individual voters might be somewhat put off by having to scan a huge ballot to find their choice. But on the other hand, we often talk about citizens needing to step up … and this is a form of engagement.” Corriveau said he doesn’t know whether the committee will run campaigns in future elections. The Montreal byelection follows the resignation of former Liberal MP and cabinet minister David Lametti, who had held it since 2015. Former prime minister Paul Martin held the LaSalle—Émard seat, which preceded the current riding, from 1988 to 2011. But the Liberals’ declining political fortunes could put the riding up for grabs this time around, with some polling suggesting a three-way race between the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Québécois. The Liberal candidate is Montreal city councillor Laura Palestini, whose selection angered other aspiring candidates who were upset the party opted not to hold an open nomination process. The NDP has nominated Craig Sauvé, another Montreal municipal councillor, while the Bloc candidate is longtime political staffer Louis-Philippe Sauvé (no relation). Business owner Louis Ialenti is running for the Conservatives. The byelection will mark the next major test for the Liberals following their surprise loss to the Conservatives in Toronto—St. Paul’s.