By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

Marc Denault, councillor for the Golf district in Sherbrooke, held a press conference around noon on Tuesday in front of city hall to announce that he is stepping down from his role as president of the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS).

According to a statement from the STS, Denault expressed disappointment at being excluded from a meeting between Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Geneviève Guilbault and Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin.

Denault also relinquished his position as president of the Association du transport urbain du Quebec (ATUQ).

The statement from Denault’s office explains that Monday afternoon, Mayor Beaudin’s chief of staff, Steve Roy, sent a text message to Denault informing him about a meeting planned for Tuesday in Sherbrooke. The meeting was scheduled to include Minister Guilbault, STS executive director Patrick Dobson, and other officials to discuss the STS.

Given his extensive involvement in the STS and provincial-level transport financing with the STS and ATUQ teams, Denault said he expressed a desire to participate. His request was denied, citing the meeting’s restricted nature. According to Denault’s statement recounting the exchange, Roy justified the refusal by emphasizing the mayor’s need to demonstrate her transport expertise and establish credibility with the minister.

Denault conveyed his dissatisfaction to Roy, repeatedly seeking the opportunity to speak with the mayor. However, he was informed that she did not have the time for a discussion.

That response, according to the Golf district councillor, serves as “a clear indication of the breakdown in the bond of trust for an individual who has served in elected positions for 22 years, with over 14 years of dedicated service at STS.”

Given Mayor Beaudin’s decision to exclude him and the perceived conflict with his values, Denault found it impossible to continue his duties without the trust and respect of the mayor.

Choosing to resign “with great difficulty”, Denault cited a values misalignment and expressed his heartbreak over the decision. “It’s a heartbreaking choice, but I have to put my foot down. There is a line, and it has been crossed”, he remarked.

Following the announcement Roy, the mayor’s chief of staff, called Denault’s decision regrettable, emphasizing his significant contributions to public transportation issues. Roy deemed the resignation hasty, calling it “a misunderstanding” and noting that “mayors sometimes meet alone with ministers”.

Despite the departure from the STS and ATUQ, Denault will retain his seat on the municipal council and plans to finish his mandate. However, he clarified that he will not run for re-election in 2025.

As the vice-president of the STS, councilor Geneviève La Roche will serve as interim president.

The ATUQ, facing a logistical challenge with Denault’s departure, plans to hold a new election for the position of president in April.