Climate activist Jacob Pirro running as Green Party candidate in Montreal

Jacob Pirro, the climate activist arrested after climbing the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in October, is running as a Green Party candidate in Montreal’s Hochelaga–Rosemont-Est riding.

Pirro is also awaiting sentencing for a separate conviction related to a protest at an oil terminal on Montreal’s east end. He is currently under a court-ordered curfew and must remain off social media pending the sentencing.

Green Party leader Jonathan Pedneault announced Pirro’s candidacy on social media Monday, saying he was “extremely happy” that Pirro was running as a candidate.

“Here is someone who has grit and courage, at a time when these qualities are desperately lacking in federal politics,” Pedneault said on Instagram.

“Jacob will be an extraordinary candidate who will shake up Canadian politics at a time when we need engaged and attentive people more than ever to represent the interests of all those who have been forgotten by Ottawa for too long.”

Olivier Huard, who climbed the Jacques-Cartier Bridge alongside Pirro, is also running as a Green Party candidate in the La Pointe-de-l’Île riding.

With files from Matt Gilmour.