caribout

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – Elected in November 2021, the prefect of the Haute-Gaspésie MRC, Guy Bernatchez, has already indicated that he will not seek a second term. He made the announcement to give those interested in the position enough time to prepare prior to the election, which is six months away. Before joining the MRC, Guy Bernatchez was the mayor of Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis from 2017 to 2021. He also ran for the Bloc Québécois in the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine in 2019 and 2021. “I’ve been in politics for eight years. It’s a multi-faceted responsibility that I’ve really enjoyed over the years, but I think I’ve covered the gamut and I have other career aspirations for the future,” says Mr. Bernatchez, who is a forest manager by profession. 

At this time, with the caribou debate raging in Haute-Gaspésie, he doesn’t feel like he’s jumping ship in the middle of a storm. “Not really. My term isn’t over. Who’s to say I would have been re-elected? I don’t see it that way at all, quite the opposite.” I’ve worked hard to advance this issue in recent years. We’ve had this issue for decades. The person who gets my seat will continue to advance this issue,” emphasized Mr. Bernatchez. 

The administrative staff will remain, along with the Table’s elected officials from Haute-Gaspésie. “I thought it would be better to announce it well in advance so that people could take a position, and I will complete my term,” he said. 

The outgoing prefect would like to finalize the caribou file before leaving office. “I would like to continue working with local people and the Ministry of the Environment to find a scenario that would be most beneficial for the MRC and the users of the territory,” says Mr. Bernatchez. He will provide a more detailed assessment once his term is over. 

Guy Bernatchez won the November 2021 election with 47% of the vote, defeating his opponent, Allen Cormier, who had been in office for 12 years. Mr. Cormier, who received 38% of the vote, makes no secret of his interest in a possible return to active politics. 

“It deserves serious consideration. It’s a job I held with great pleasure and excellent results for 12 years. Unfortunately, I suffered defeat. I’m receiving a lot of requests from people. Many are requesting my presence for a future term. It deserves careful consideration before making such an important decision, but I won’t hide from you that I’m going to give it very serious thought,” admits Mr. Cormier.