By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s Mayor, Évelyne Beaudin, has announced an indefinite leave from her municipal duties due to medical advice. During her absence, Deputy Mayor Raïs Kibonge will take the helm, ensuring that city functions continue seamlessly. A press conference on the issue was held at Sherbrooke’s town hall at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30.

City officials are keen to emphasize that services to the citizens will remain unaffected. The city council and administration are joining forces to facilitate a smooth governance transition, demonstrating their commitment to the public’s welfare, states a press release.

The Cities and Towns Act necessitates such a move, as it mandates the acting mayor to step in when the sitting mayor is unable to perform their responsibilities. Consequently, Kibonge will not only execute the mayor’s powers but will also represent the office on the executive committee, and Councilwoman Laure Letarte-Lavoie is set to preside over the executive committee during Beaudin’s absence.

Kibonge remarked on the current scenario, saying, “Today’s events underscore that each individual, at some point, faces challenging decisions pertaining to personal and professional well-being. I’m confident in saying that the entire Sherbrooke community sends their thoughts and best wishes to Mayor Beaudin during her recovery.”

Éric Sévigny, the city’s general manager, added, “Both the city council and administration remain dedicated to maintaining service continuity during this period. We extend our wishes for Mayor Beaudin’s quick recovery and express gratitude to the public for their continued respect and understanding.”

Every decision, small or large, that is made by the municipal government has an impact, Kibonge insisted, when asked if he would make any “big moves” in his interim role. He will respect the powers he has been given and work with his colleagues to carry out the objectives of his party.

When a reporter noted people might get the impression the choice to go on leave was due to the “tumultuous” climate at the town hall, such as the criticism Beaudin has recently received on her online budget survey from three independent councilwomen, Kibonge responded that his party has been in power for two years and the situation now is not really any different than it has been in the past.

“I’m blessed to live in a free democracy, so I don’t have specific steps to take,” Kibonge said, when asked what tasks he would need to do in particular, in the coming week, to properly fulfill his new function. He will do what the law dictates and “work with everybody”. “Mrs. Beaudin left the house in order, and I just need to be a good steward.”

“It’s pretty dramatic,” Lennoxville Town Councillor Claude Charron commented afterwards, “when you look at everything that is going on.” The news won’t affect Lennoxville immediately, he insisted, since the pressing issue there is the coming budget, which does not have much to do with the Mayor. Charron, admitting to some speculation, noted he had some difficulty dealing with a complaint against him years ago, and knows the job of a politician can be “a big challenge”.

In a public post on her Facebook page, Beaudin stated (paraphrased for brevity):

I am taking a medically recommended leave of absence from my role as mayor to prevent extreme exhaustion. Everyone handles such challenges differently, and while you may have recently seen me looking well in public, the demands of politics can be taxing. I deeply regret pausing my involvement in cherished city projects, but I trust that the elected officials, managers, and city staff will continue to serve Sherbrooke’s best interests. I urge political opponents not to exploit my absence for gain, reminding everyone of our shared humanity. I can’t pinpoint a specific cause for my need for a break, but the mayorship has been both a rewarding and strenuous journey. In the coming days, I’ll be engaging in activities beneficial to my well-being, and I appreciate the continuous support and trust from the community.

It was asserted during the conference that, from a legal standpoint, Beaudin’s leave can persist for 90 days as of Nov. 7. At that point, the City Council can give her another 30 day’s grace if they so choose.