Sometimes an interview begins with a formal request. This one began with a simple conversation in the neighbourhood. I first met Benoît Clermont and his team unexpectedly in Saint-Henri, while he was speaking with residents and introducing himself as a candidate for Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne.

A lawyer by training, entrepreneur and former television producer behind some of Quebec’s best-known productions, Clermont is now turning toward provincial politics. In our conversation, he discusses housing, homelessness, culture, local businesses and the priorities he believes will shape the future of the community.