Cathy Fox
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

MRC PONTIAC – Two events held in late April shed light on the path to entering municipal politics, offering both campaign advice and insight from officials currently in office.

The first session, held April 26, was hosted by Shawville mayoral candidate Linda Davis. Joined by Otter Lake Mayor Terry Lafleur and Rapides-des-Joachims Mayor Doug Rousselle, the trio shared their experiences with an audience of about 20 attendees. Topics included the nomination process, campaign budgeting, understanding municipal structures, and how to navigate local issues and media.

Davis, who has previously run for council, said she was motivated to organize the session to demystify the process. “A lot of people assume you need to have a background in politics to run, but that’s not true,” she said. “We need more people with diverse experiences at the council table.”

Rousselle emphasized the importance of good communication and accountability. “Residents don’t expect you to solve every issue, but they do expect honesty and follow-through,” he said.

Lafleur encouraged participants not to let fear hold them back. “I was terrified the first time I ran,” she admitted. “But you learn, and you realize you’re not doing it alone. Staff, councillors, and community members are there to support you.”

A second session, held April 29 in Fort-Coulonge, was hosted by MRC Pontiac and the Table de développement social du Pontiac. This workshop was geared specifically toward women interested in running in the 2025 municipal elections.

Organizers said they hope to see an increase in women elected to council seats across the MRC. Currently, only 5 of 18 mayors in the MRC are women. The workshop featured an all-women panel of elected officials including Otter Lake councillor Jennifer Dupuis, Rapides-des-Joachims Mayor Doug Rousselle, Mansfield councillor Chantal Lair, and Waltham Mayor Odette Godin.

Each panellist shared her journey into politics, the challenges faced, and what keeps them motivated. They also answered questions from participants, who ranged in age from 20 to 60.

“You don’t have to know everything,” said Lair. “But you do have to be willing to listen and learn.”

Godin added that the work can be demanding, but incredibly rewarding. “Seeing projects completed, hearing people say thank you—it makes it all worth it.”

Organizers say more sessions may be planned leading up to the November 2025 elections.

Photo – From left: Jennifer Dupuis, Odette Godin, Doug Rousselle, Chantal Lair, and Linda Davis participated in local workshops encouraging political engagement, particularly among women. (CF)