Djeneba Dosso
LJI Reporter
Head of Action Gatineau Maude Marquis-Bissonnette is set to be the city’s new mayor according
to Sunday’s byelection results.
Following France Bélisle’s resignation in February, seven candidates decided to run for office for
a 17-month mandate. Marquis-Bissonnette, who placed second in the 2021 elections, came out
on top, earning 41.7 per cent of the vote, followed by former mayor Yves Ducharme with 30.9
per cent. The City of Gatineau reported a turnout of just over 33 per cent with 67,118 people
casting ballots.
The former councillor delivered a moving speech surrounded by family, friends and members of
Action Gatineau at the Bar Minotaure in Hull.
“
Thank you to the Gatinois for their trust. I am touched, honoured. I take my responsibilities
seriously. I will be the mayor of everyone. I intend to work with the entire city council,” she said.
Due to the unusual nature of this election, Marquis-Bissonnette will step into office hitting the
ground running. During her campaign, she stressed her
commitment to protecting the city’s
heritage and promoting environmentally responsible development.
“I am aware that there are high expectations,” she added. “In 17 months, we will not be able to
settle everything, but I would like us to give ourselves more hope, to continue to build a sense of
belonging, to make people proud of Gatineau. We can dream big. We can build everything.
Thank you Gatineau, thank you everyone.”
Last night was a double victory for Action Gatineau, who also earned a new seat at town hall.
Catherine Craig-St-Louis was elected as new municipal councillor of the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital
district, replacing Olive Kamanyana who had to step down to run for mayor. This win means that
Action Gatineau, the only political party in the city, now has nine out of 19 municipal
councillors.