Photo: Sean Kilpatrick Archives The Canadian Press Former mayor France Bélisle suddenly resigned on February 22.
Gatineau residents are called to go to the polls on June 9 to elect a successor to former mayor France Bélisle, who suddenly resigned last week. Those who want to apply have until May 10 to express their interest. Citizens who wish to exercise their right earlier will be able to vote in advance on June 2.
The City of Gatineau estimates that this election will cost approximately two million dollars. This is an expense made necessary by the departure of Ms. Bélisle, explains her temporary successor, Daniel Champagne. The law provides for the triggering of a by-election if a mayoral position becomes vacant more than 12 months before general elections.
The latter assured that he would not support “any candidate” in the next election in order to “show impartiality”. The one who has been a municipal councilor for more than 10 years also gave a categorical “no” to journalists who asked him if he planned to be on the starting line.
Reflection advisors
Independent municipal councilors Mario Aubé and Steven Boivin said they were considering their potential candidacy. Olive Kamanyana, confirmed Tuesday evening at Devoirhaving “the intention of [himself] presenting himself”, but indicates that he is “still thinking about it”. Without commenting, advisor Denis Girouard declared to Devoir that he would announce his decision on Monday, March 4.
Their colleague Mike Duggan declared that “the conditions under which [he would run] for mayor of Gatineau are quite marginal”, since he is “committed to serving the Pointe district -Gatineau […] without embarking on other political projects.” “If the selected candidates are not “acceptable”, I might feel obliged, but I am convinced that at least two candidates will be able to fill the position,” he specifies, however.
The Action Gatineau party will present a candidate, but it will not be its interim leader, Steve Moran. Former Bellevue councilor Sylvie Goneau, who left municipal politics after her defeat against Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin in 2017, has already publicly declared that she would consider running if public interest were expressed.< /p>
Focus on collaboration
While waiting for the elections, Mr. Champagne reiterated the “need to work collaboratively.” “There are certain issues on which we must continue work,” he declared on the sidelines of the first municipal council since the departure of Ms. Bélisle. He also assured that he would quickly define, with the executive committee, priorities so as not to “improvise” during the next four months.
Tuesday afternoon, the interim mayor appointed a councilor who is a member of Action Gatineau, Isabelle N. Miron, as deputy mayor. Ms. Miron had been removed from this position by Ms. Bélisle two days before she announced her resignation. “By suggesting that Ms. Miron resume her duties as deputy mayor, I want to send a clear message that our council is an inclusive and respectful environment, that women are welcome and that politics is for everyone.” , declared Mr. Champagne, according to Le Droit.
The opposition Action Gatineau party refused last Friday the description of a “toxic climate” within the municipal council made by Ms. Bélisle. “On the question of partisanship, I have complete confidence in the ability of our president to ensure sound management of this municipal council,” Mr. Champagne said on Tuesday.
This report is supported by the Local Journalism Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada.
The municipal councilors having confirmed to “Devoir” that they are not eyeing the position of mayor
- Edmond Leclerc
- Gilles Chagnon
- Jean Lessard
- Isabelle N. Miron
- Jocelyn Blondin
- Steve Moran
- Marc Bureau