Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The mayor of Chandler is calling for the resignation of Newport ward councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who is facing charges related to violent crimes. 

The town council also tabled a notice of motion on April 24 to terminate his remuneration. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche says he learned of the allegations against Mr. Godbout at the same time as the public, on April 15. 

“We all agreed that we had to act and not let this drag on. In the minutes that followed, we spoke to our lawyers,” says the mayor, trying to find out how to proceed. 

“There are rules to follow. Some people are saying on social networks that the town needs to move, but you have to do things properly to avoid being prosecuted for acting in the wrong way,” explains Mr. Daraîche. 

In addition to working with the municipality’s prosecutors, the mayor consulted with the Ministère des Affaires municipales and the Commission municipale du Québec. 

“A few hours after learning of the events, I asked for Mr Godbout’s resignation,” continued the mayor. 

On April 24, at a special meeting, a notice of motion was tabled to amend the regulations governing the remuneration. of elected representatives. 

“To ensure that in order to be paid, you have to be seated at the council table for the monthly meeting. This is very important. We’re going to stop paying people who aren’t there,” says the mayor. Currently, councillors earn $2,171 per month. 

“That’s the only way we can avoid paying people who are absent,” explains Mr. Daraîche, even though the by-law makes no exception for justified absences. 

“We don’t have much room to manoeuvre. People have to understand. Asking for the resignation and amending the law on the remuneration of elected representatives are the only things that can be done. These are important actions,” maintains the mayor. 

The amended bylaw is expected to come into effect on May 1, although legal delays may push its adoption past the next council meeting on May 5. 

Regarding legal fees stemming from a separate 2021 travel expense lawsuit, when Mr Godbout was pro-mayor, the bill amounts to $9,500, according to the mayor. 

Mr Godbout had been absent from council since April 2024, following a voluntary withdrawal under an agreement reached with the Municipal Commission. That agreement allowed him to continue receiving his salary while awaiting further developments. 

Another agreement, between Mr. Godbout and the Town of Chandler stipulates that the town will be reimbursed for legal fees if he is acquitted of the charges. 

Mr. Godbout is facing charges of fraud, forgery and use, possession or trafficking of a document. UPAC has estimated the fraud at around $10,000. Reimbursement of legal costs is guaranteed. 

“At the Town of Chandler, there is a severance bonus. There are signed agreements,” points out the mayor. Even if Councillor Godbout no longer had any assets, the severance package would allow the Town to pay itself back. 

“At least for the legal fees. As for the salary, we’ll check with Municipal Affairs, because they’re the ones who came to an agreement. He did not sit on the council, but was recognised as a councillor of the Town of Chandler because he was temporarily withdrawn. We’re in touch with the Municipal Commission. If he had been completely withdrawn, we wouldn’t have had to pay his salary, but as he is temporarily withdrawn, we’re going to check with Municipal Affairs,”says Mr Daraîche. 

The mayor also clarified that any legal fees related to Mr. Godbout’s arrest on April 15 are not being paid by the town, as the alleged victims are not elected officials. 

As SPEC went to press on May 2, Bruno-Pierre Godbout had not submitted his resignation.