An election poster for the right-leaning People's Party of Canada hangs next to a left turn traffic sign in Pointe-Claire.Kramberger

While voters in the Lac-St-Louis riding can opt to mark an X for an animal-rights party, those in neighbouring DorvalLachineLaSalle can opt for a party named after a horned mammal.

Undecided West Island voters who may not be inspired by the six main political parties, some of which are perennial long shots or are currently hovering at under five per cent in polls in local ridings, should note there are alternative or fringe options available at the ballot box in the Oct. 21 federal election.

Victoria de Martigny, a professional photographer who resides in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, is the Lac-St-Louis candidate for the Animal Protection Party of Canada, which only has one other candidate running in Quebec. She is concerned about laboratory testing done on animals as well as the animal agricultural industry. She objects to government subsidies given to dairy, egg and poultry farmers.

Animal agricultural is the leading contributor to climate change in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water and air pollution, water depletion and species extinction and so on, de Martigny said, adding that the Animal Protection Party addresses these issue in its platform.

De Martigny is realistic about her slim chances of being elected as an MP, but she believes its important to promote her partys values.

The Rhinoceros party, a satirical political movement, has Xavier Watso registered as a candidate in DorvalLachineLaSalle.

We will fill the coffers of the state by allowing advertising in the Senate and the House of Commons, is one of the Rhinos self-described unrealistic campaign promises.

In PierrefondsDollard, Shahid Khan and Martin Plante are running as independent candidates, not to be confused with the Bloc Qubcois, the pro-separatist party that sends representatives to Ottawa to fight for Quebec.

Plante, a businessman from Kirkland, said he decided to run because he viewed the main political parties as discouraging voting options.

We need to vote. As Canadians we have this freedom, he said. But lets be honest, the candidates that are out there and also the parties are not necessarily representing the people.

Plante said he represents an alternative voice for voters frustrated by the party system. He advocates by campaigning door-door, election signs and through his website for better fiscal accountability and reducing needless taxation.

Plante said that in order to restore faith in government, elected officials must plan to look after the Regular Joe the guy who goes to work everyday, who has kids.

No matter the choice, lets hope West Islanders exercise their democratic right and vote Oct. 21.

kramberger@postmedia.com

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Kramberger: West Islanders have voting options on the fringe - Montreal Gazette