Photo caption: France Bélisle, Gatineau Mayor, debunks sick leave rumour with journalists at an executive committee press briefing on February 7.

Photo credit: Screenshot from Mêlée de presse of the Comité exécutif of the Ville de Gatineau on February

A member of the executive committee will be replacing deputy mayor Isabelle Miron, Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle told reporters during a press briefing for the committee on February 7.

The news came as Bélisle addressed the media about a rumour circulating after a closed session on February 6.

“I wanted to come back to first say how disappointed I was that the closed session was not over and certain media had received information on comments made by the mayor, which are false,” said Bélisle. “I have never, in this close session, suggested that I was in favour of taking sick leave. We discussed, in this closed session, a follow-up or change to the deputy mayor to ensure continuity in activities.”

Bélisle said the position should be filled by a member of the executive committee to ensure the fluidity of activities and operations. She intends to make the change and new appointment at the next municipal council meeting.

The mayor said the shake-up would come as no surprise to Miron, who was appointed to the position last February, as the two had had several discussions on the matter.

“But I myself wanted, for transparency, to share it with the members of the council. I find myself, 24 hours later, disappointed in the lack of integrity of my colleagues but I just wanted to correct the matter.”

Bélisle admitted to experiencing health issues last fall. “Right now, I don’t feel at risk but I’m notsafe from it like any human is not safe from sick leave. The difference is that I have a responsibility to ensure that life continues.”

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