election

A second candidate, Dominique Giroux, enters the race for Chandler mayor

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – Dominique Giroux launched her pre-election campaign on June 11 for the upcoming November 2 election for mayor of Chandler.

In front of about 25 people who attended her first official public appearance, the candidate, who had made her intentions known last winter, placed recruitment as a priority.

“Attracting our professionals: we’ll soon be short of teachers and dentists. We’re already short of veterinarians. We have 1,000 people who don’t have family doctors. We have to attract these people. We’ll have to invest and develop a strategic plan to attract them,” explained Ms. Giroux, who intends to listen to her citizens.

“The railway is strategic. With my team, I’ll do my best to ensure it reaches at least Chandler. We’ll see later about the distance rules required for building buildings. The main goal of the campaign will be on focusing on the population and the town,” she said, promising a clean campaign against her announced opponent, Gilles Daraîche.

The town is also working to revitalize the wharf that Transport Canada wants to sell. “It’s super important. Now, there are a lot of costs involved. When I’m elected, I’m going to work on that,” the candidate said.

Former mayor Louisette Langlois attended the pre-campaign launch. She indicated that her presence was not an endorsement, but rather an opportunity to hear democracy in action. She declined to comment further.

“I didn’t invite anyone. Ms. Langlois is here.” I can’t tell you if she’ll vote for me, but I feel a great deal of solidarity with me. But between what people feel and how they vote, that can change,” comments Ms. Giroux.

In the ongoing dispute between Langlois and the town, where the town is claiming more than $300,000 related to the former mayor’s 180-day suspension in 2021, with legal costs exceeding $400,000, Ms. Giroux prefers not to comment.

“We have to sit back and watch. I am new to this. Ms. Langlois’s case is very hot. We’ll see where it gets to and we’ll see, within reason, what we can do. But at this point, I can’t answer you because I’m not in office,” says the candidate cautiously.

However, the saga surrounding Sauvetage adrénaline, which led to her dismissal, could resurface during the campaign.

Ms. Giroux once again assures that she has turned the page. “I have a 50-page judgment that has been issued. If people want it, I can forward it. They will read it and make their own analysis. No one said I stole. I don’t think it can harm me,” believes the woman, who is currently the operations coordinator at Camp Bellefeuille.

As soon as she announced her intentions on social media that she was launching her campaign on June 11, Dominique Giroux said she was the victim of intimidation by elected officials who sit on the council table.

“I won’t name them out of respect because I have strong values. I find it sad because municipal employees receive letters asking them not to take sides during the campaign. That councillors can say things… It didn’t affect me. I just find it boring,” the candidate says.

The mayor, Gilles Daraîche, believes that his opponent is casting aspersions. “I spoke with the five elected representatives present and no one intimidated Ms. Giroux. It would be important to name names when making such denunciations, so that we can check. Moreover, the five elected representatives are not talking to Ms. Giroux. It’s all made up in a spirit of revenge. I hope the public will disregard these falsehoods,” says the mayor.

The tone of the campaign appears to be set. “It’s a campaign that will be long and has already begun. It will be a campaign filled with falsehoods right to the end,” believes the outgoing mayor.

A second candidate, Dominique Giroux, enters the race for Chandler mayor Read More »

Liberals in the Gaspé Peninsula believe in Pablo Rodriguez

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

NEW RICHMOND – Christian Cyr, president of the Quebec Liberal Association of the Gaspé Peninsula-Magdalen Islands and Bonaventure believes that Pablo Rodriguez’s election will enable the provincial Liberals to regain power in the October 2026 election.

“He has everything it takes to reconnect the party in all regions of Quebec and in urban areas. Pablo Rodriguez is a unifier, and his work has already begun,” said Christian Cyr.

The former federal minister won in the second round on June 14 with 52.3% of the vote, narrowly defeating Charles Milliard with 47.7%.

Former premiers Philippe Couillard and Jean Charest welcomed the new leader on stage.
“There is a rallying cry. The Liberal Party has a history dating back more than 150 years. There have been great achievements in Quebec with sound management of government affairs. There is a lot of experience within the party, as well as new faces and new forces. It’s a good combination to lead Quebec,” said Mr. Cyr.

Now that the party has a leader, the next 15 months will be focused on reconnecting with Quebecers and preparing for the upcoming electoral campaign.

“Presenting a credible alternative to the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) government, an alternative that will reconnect with the regions and present credible plans for both state management and regional affairs,” Mr. Cyr explained.

Marc Tanguay served as interim leader for two and a half years following Dominique Anglade’s resignation after the debacle of 2022. His leadership during that period was praised. “He did a very good job, often walking a tightrope to keep people united. People were always waiting for a leader. He was very skilled and experienced. The troops are ready for a big step forward,” believes Mr. Cyr.

Liberals in the Gaspé Peninsula believe in Pablo Rodriguez Read More »

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté to seek fourth term

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The outgoing mayor of Gaspé will seek a fourth term in the November 2 election.
Daniel Côté believes he has too much to accomplish, after summarizing the last 12 years at the helm of the largest town in the Gaspé Peninsula.

In a press briefing held with his wife and infant, and in the presence of four councillors on June 3, Mr. Côté indicated that he consulted his family over the previous weekend, and made the decision not long after, even though he had promised to announce his intentions in May.

“For me, it is absolutely necessary that the arena be resolved. I’m tired of pushing it forward. I would like our position in the naval sector to have borne additional fruit. I expect the wind industry to have positioned itself in the Quebec market,” he listed as priorities that could be satisfactory following a possible fourth term.

Housing also remains a priority, especially following the announcement of a major housing project by Gestion Bourgade on May 27.

“It makes me think that if we want to continue growing, we have to continue investing. This is the kind of business that motivates me,” noted the elected official.

Before embarking on what could be his next term, the outgoing mayor took stock of several achievements made over the past 12 years: the redesign of the heart of Rivière-au-Renard, or the Canada’s Birthplace; the chairlift at the Mont Béchervaise ski resort; the upgrading of the downtown drinking water system; the new industrial road alongside the conversion of the LM Wind Power plant into a large industrial complex; and the approximately 500 housing units built over the past five years. The mayor isn’t afraid of opposition, having been elected by acclamation last time.

“I want democracy to be expressed. If one person comes, we’ll run a campaign worthy of the name. If no one comes, it will be shorter, simpler. I’m not ashamed of my record,” Mr. Côté asserts.
He does, however, offer one element that should generate consensus. “If someone else comes, I dare hope they’ll draw inspiration from the collaborative work we’ve done and we’ll campaign with similar content. I hope so. If someone comes along and says they’re going to reinvent what 1,500 people built together, they’ll have a hard time convincing people. I have the game plan in my pocket. It’s strategic planning. If I have an opponent, I hope they’ll base their arguments on that. People will judge the person best suited to deliver the action plan, but I’m not worried about turning the page,” says the mayor.

With the arrival of a baby, the elected official has slowed down his activities within the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ). His terms as ex-officio president, on the executive council, and on the leadership council have come to an end.

He will, however, serve as president of the Conseil des MRC, a new body within the union, while remaining president of the Air Transportation Committee and a member of the board of directors.
“We’ve made the necessary contacts in recent years. Joining the UMQ gave Gaspé a platform and allowed us to develop a network of contacts,” he notes. However, he will maintain his roles within the region, as he is president of the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Transport Board and also sits on the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie and the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Energy Board.

“I’m not planning on that (to step away from some positions). I want to maintain a certain position at the national level. Regionally, I don’t think I’m too ambitious. I’m thinking of taking the place that Gaspé should have as the largest town in the Gaspé,” he says.

He also wants to keep his position as prefect of the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC. “Within the MRC, I’m the only full-time politician. I can assume a so-called full-time role at the MRC. Why? The MRC and the town are more or less the same territory. Gaspé has 86% of the population and93% of the MRC’s real estate wealth. I want to continue, that’s for sure. I want to keep positions at the regional level. The Board of Directors will decide,” Mr. Côté says.

This position also allows him to sit on the Gaspésie prefects’ table and the Regroupement of Gaspésie MRCs.

Mr. Côté also points out that the Gaspé Peninsula has several full-time mayors, an advantage in his view. “It’s a damn good deal. This isn’t the case in all regions of Quebec, which means that some files are managed part-time. When you’re on it full-time, you can manage everything full-time,” the outgoing mayor states bluntly.

Mr. Côté can count on four outgoing councillors who attended his press briefing announcing his candidacy. Among them was downtown councillor James Keays, whose name has been circulating as a possible mayoral candidate, but who is rallying behind Daniel Côté.

“What we’ve accomplished in recent years is enormous for Gaspé. The council held its own. We could have fought hundreds of times in the public square. We’ve always managed to find ways to resolve the issue, and that was achieved, among other things, thanks to Daniel’s leadership,” says Mr. Keays, who is pleased to see the outgoing mayor recommitting.

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté to seek fourth term Read More »

Rocher-Percé Prefect Samuel Parisé will seek a second term 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – Samuel Parisé announced his intentions on May 6 via a message on social media that he will seek a second term as prefect of the Rocher-Percé MRC in the November 2 election. 

“It’s been a lot of learning. Being involved with the public and organizations is rewarding and enriching,” notes Mr. Parisé, who was just starting his career in politics when he was elected in 2021. 

He says he is proud of the modernization of the Rocher-Percé airport, including the extension of the runway and the expansion of the terminal, as well as the fight against Quebec to allow MRCs to support the construction of rental housing. 

However, he quickly learned early in his mandate that the political machine doesn’t move as fast as the will to act. 

“When I realized that, I had to take a step back. We want to change things quickly, to put certain things in place, but sometimes things are bigger than us. Everything that has to do with the federal or provincial government is a mechanism. The administration is always present. They have directions and things in place. Changing this mechanism is a long-term job,” maintains the outgoing prefect. Even when decisions are made, they can be changed, as was the case with the rail refurbishment in the Gaspésie. 

“We still believe this is an essential project both economically and for tourism,” says the prefect. However, the announced rule requiring residences to be 300 metres away from a railway line would have a significant impact in Rocher-Percé. 

“It would have an impact on the development of housing and certain land. This is crucial for us. We must find the best agreement and the best way for these projects to coexist. We will continue all of our efforts,” he says. 

Continuing the work already underway will be the key principle of a possible second term. “There have been steps taken in the housing crisis. It will definitely be a priority issue. We want to house our people adequately and safely,” says Mr. Parisé. The fight for the return of Réno-Région will also continue to enable low-income people to renovate their homes. 

“If this basic need isn’t met, it’s difficult to think of other projects to revitalize our territory,” notes the outgoing prefect, while the MRC continues to rank at the bottom of the pack in terms of development. 

“Things are improving demographically; we have people who want to come here, new talent to meet priority needs like health and local services. If we want to ensure continued development, we need to harmonize the reception of new people and the retention of those who currently live in the area,” analyzes Mr. Parisé. 

Rocher-Percé Prefect Samuel Parisé will seek a second term  Read More »

Diane Lebouthillier’s political career

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-THÉRÈSE-DE-GASPÉ – Turning the page on 15 years of active politics, outgoing Liberal Member of Parliament and former Trudeau government minister, Diane Lebouthillier leaves with the satisfaction of a job well done. 

“I walk around with my head held high everywhere in our riding. More than a billion dollars have been invested in the riding, and I don’t know when that will be done again,” commented Ms. Lebouthillier in an exclusive interview with SPEC reflecting on her political career. A social worker by training who worked in mental health for 25 years, Ms. Lebouthillier worked from 2008 to 2010 for the former provincial Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gaspé, Georges Mamelonet, before entering active politics in 2010 as prefect of the Rocher-Percé MRC and a Liberal MP since 2015. 

One of the criticisms levelled at the incumbent is that she carried Ottawa’s message into the riding instead of representing the riding in Ottawa. 

“We did both! Yes, we brought programs, but we also brought things from home to Ottawa. The Fisheries Fund. If I hadn’t sat around the table and had discussions with my colleague Dominic Leblanc, who was Minister of Fisheries, this fund would have been created initially for the Atlantic region. It was the efforts made with Dominic that ensured we were able to bring this money back,” she maintains. Ms. Lebouthillier hasn’t performed a complete analysis of her defeat. “But maybe people wanted change. Honestly, I don’t know,” she begins by replying. 

However, when asked about the fact that she had promised in 2015 not to play things over and over again, she reflects by saying,”I’ve always remained outspoken. For me, having integrity and telling people the truth, even if they don’t want to hear it, remained important. Perhaps that’s also why I lost my election. No one can say I lied to them. If there are efforts to be made, I will make them, but if we can’t go any further, I’ll let you know, but if I can open doors for you, I will open them,” she believes, adding that in the cabinet, the work had to be seen as a whole across Canada. The past two years, since her appointment as Minister of Fisheries, Ms. Leboutillier admits that it hasn’t been easy, as she doesn’t like to travel. 

“For the Department of Fisheries, I’ve been to British Columbia, the Arctic, and inland fisheries, and then there’s the riding. It’s already a challenge to come back to the riding. Every time I flew home, it was incredibly stressful. After 21 days in Ottawa, I would go to bed at night and cry because I couldn’t wait to get home,” she confides. 

Her personal life has brought its share of worries. “On the family front, my partner almost died. My father passed away. We had construction work. A lot of things happened. I have children and I’m a grandmother, and we’re trying to juggle everything. People also want to see us everywhere,” she adds. 

Without completely closing the door, a transition with the new MP will be very simple. “When I arrived as an MP in 2015, what I received didn’t even fit in a shoebox. Mr. Deschênes will do what I did. He will learn his files and will do his thing. As a minister, I had too many files from the business community, and when we talk about private companies, the word “private” is excessively important. The files concerning constituents that had been settled were destroyed, and the constituents who had follow-ups were advised to work with the new elected official who will represent them,” Ms. Lebouthillier clearly explains. 

She concludes by recalling that politics can be thankless and recalls a statement from an elected official in Parliament. “There was already an MP who told us in Parliament, if you want recognition in politics, you’d better get a dog. It was a Bloc Québécois MP who said that, Louis Plamondon, and he was absolutely right,” says the former MP. 

Diane Lebouthillier’s political career Read More »

The Table of Prefects and mayor of Gaspé react to federal election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula Table of Prefets was expecting a tighter electoral race in the region. Nonetheless the results are unequivocal and reflect the population’s interest in the campaign, which led the Bloc Québécois’ Alexis Deschênes to win the election in the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. 

Following his election, the new Member of Parliament (MP) listed the return of the passenger train to Gaspé, and possible new tariffs in the forestry industry as among his top priorities. 

“The return of the train is a major issue for us. In the forestry industry, we agree that in the short term with the current crisis with the United States, there is a lot of uncertainty. Yes, these priorities are consistent with those of the Table des préfets. As for housing, we’re going to sit down together and work on solutions to get the Government of Canada more involved in adding rental housing,’ says Mathieu Lapointe, President of the Table of Prefects. 

The fact that the riding is now represented by an opposition MP after 10 years of Liberal representation is not a concern according to Mr. Lapointe. “For us, the important thing is to have an MP who is present on the ground and who listens. I have no doubts about that. We’re also in a minority government situation, and the Bloc will be able to play an influential role,” Mr. Lapointe added confidently. 

The vastness of the territory remains a challenge, regardless of the MP. “But with today’s technologies, we can meet virtually and rally around common issues,” believes Mr. Lapointe. 

Although he was long rumoured to be the Bloc candidate in the election that ended on April 28, Gaspé mayor Daniel Côté says he has no regrets, even after the Bloc Québécois won by a large majority in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. 

“I have no regrets. Three parties approached me. With the vastness of the territory and the distance between federal issues and the population, I’m not sure that’s what motivates me in life and that’s what motivated my decision,” explains Mr Côté, whose wife is expecting a child very soon. 

“I’m a hands-on guy. I find municipal politics more appealing than federal politics,” explains the mayor, who was defeated in 2011 by New Democrat candidate Philip Toone, the representative for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine during the Orange Wave. 

The Table of Prefects and mayor of Gaspé react to federal election Read More »

Diane Lebouthillier 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A Liberal advertisement promoting the party’s team in Quebec City and the eastern part of the province forgot to include Diane Lebouthillier. 

The full-page ad, published on April 26 in the Journal de Québec – two days before the election – mentions the names of the candidates, including Alexander Reford in Rimouski-La Matapédia and Rémi Massé in Côte-du-Sud-Rivière-du-Loup-Kataskomiq-Témiscouata. However, it failed to mention the name of Diane Leboutihillier, the outgoing 

Liberal Member of the Parliament and former minister since 2015, who was running for re-election in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. 

The ad was bought by the official agent for Jean-Yves Duclos in Quebec City. When contacted for comment, Ms. Lebouthillier’s campaign team said they had contacted Mr. Duclos’s team, who 

acknowledged the omission and called it a mistake. 

Her Bloc Québécois opponent, Alexis Deschênes, reacted on the social media platform X writing: “What to make of this Liberal ad naming all the candidates in eastern Quebec except Diane Lebouthillier in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj?” He did not elaborate further. 

Diane Lebouthillier  Read More »

Defeated, Lebouthillier announces her retirement

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER – The victory of Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Deschênes over incumbent Member of Parliament Diane Lebouthillier wasn’t nearly as close as a lot of people had expected. 

Mr. Deschênes was elected with 45.8% of the vote, compared to 38.3% for Ms. Lebouthillier. Conservative Party candidate Jean-Pierre Pigeon managed to secure 12.4%. Although she didn’t campaign, New Democrat Denise Giroux received 1.8%, Shawn Grenier of the Rhinoceros Party 1.0%, and People’s Party of Canada candidate Christian Rioux garnered a meager 0.8%. Voter turnout reached only 59.59%. 

Ms. Lebouthillier could not pinpoint what tipped the scales, noting that she campaigned across the riding, speaking of her record and her game plan for a possible term. She has no regrets though, particularly her decisions in the fisheries sector. “All the decisions I’ve made, I would make the same decisions again,” she said after learning that she had been defeated. 

Losing her ministerial seat didn’t work against her. “Not at all, because when you look at the cabinet level, Mr. Carney had decisions to make. With a large riding like we had—because it’s a huge territory—there are all the issues: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, industry, trade, six airports, a mountain range, two time zones. We have Canada in one riding. The challenges are immense,” she said. 

For Diane Lebouthillier, this defeat marks the end of her political career. “I’m going back to my property, where I can enjoy myself and stop travelling. Surprisingly, I hate travelling. I’ve had my travel experiences since 2015. Now I’m packing my bags. I’m going to take care of my family, spend time with my grandchildren, my mother, and my partner. I’m going to enjoy life,” the outgoing MP concluded. 

Conservative candidate Jean-Pierre Pigeon was satisfied with the result, finishing third with his best result ever, even though he was running for the fourth time. Although he received just 12.4%, his election expenses will be reimbursed for the first time. 

“I think it’s the team I had, it was my fourth time running, people knew me,” said Mr. Pigeon, who confirmed this would be his last time as a candidate. However, he plans to continue campaigning for the Conservatives, something he has done since 1977. 

People’s Party of Canada candidate Christian Rioux was disappointed with his result. He laments that the Donald Trump effect took up too much space in the election campaign. 

“The media and the other parties used Trump a lot as a distraction rather than talking about their platforms. They capitalized on the fear of Trump,” said Mr. Rioux, who was running for the second time. He isn’t ruling out running again. 

Defeated, Lebouthillier announces her retirement Read More »

Federal election: Jean-Pierre Pigeon tries his luck for the fourth time

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – Defeated in his first three attempts, longtime Conservative activist Jean-Pierre Pigeon will once again be a candidate for the party in the next election in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. 

“I don’t know if this time will be the right one. It will be up to the people of our riding to decide. I’ve been ready since 2015,” says the man who lost each time to Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Diane Lebouthillier. The man who served under Dr. Charles-Eugène Marin between 1984 and 1993 notes that it will be necessary to focus on the challenges in the riding at a time when a tariff war triggered by the United States is raging. 

“People are worried. But it’s not just this economic crisis that’s likely to happen. We need to talk about the needs of our population versus what Ottawa will do for our riding. That requires someone who will be in power,” says Mr. Pigeon. 

However, the Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine MP has been in power since 2015, and Mr. Pigeon maintains that the Liberal representative “has done her job.” 

Jean-Pierre Pigeon believes he has the necessary connections to move the riding forward if the Conservatives take power. “With the contacts I’ve had in the Conservative Party for nearly five decades, people in Ottawa know me. I know the vast majority of the people in the shadow cabinets.” I know how to do politics. I had a mentor named Charles-Eugène Marin who showed me how to do politics,” recalls the man who has been involved in politics at the school, municipal, and sports levels. 

Public finances, with the significant deficits left by the Liberals for the past 10 years, will be a major issue.  “When Stephen Harper left power in 2015, there was no credit card for everyday needs. There is a way to do things, and I am confident that the people who will form the government will be able to reconcile the elements to strike a balance between paying off the credit card, which has been staggering for the past 10 years, and meeting people’s needs. But we will have to make some sacrifices,” warns Mr. Pigeon.  “But we will have to help the Gaspé,” he adds. 

The Liberals have a renewed energy with the arrival of Mark Carney. 

“We remember that in the United States, there was a certain Mr. Biden who took his time leaving. “It’s similar to what Mr. Trudeau did. Ms. Harris came in and boosted the polls, and what happened? The polls collapsed because the Republicans had done the long-term work. We might see the same scenario in Canada. Mr. Carney is the flavour of the month, but it won’t last,” says Mr. Pigeon, who has supported the Conservatives since Joe Clark in the late 1970s. 

Given the size of the newly redrawn riding. Mr. Pigeon plans to focus on technological tools to connect voters rather than relying solely on traditional in-person visits. 

Federal election: Jean-Pierre Pigeon tries his luck for the fourth time Read More »

FEDERAL ELECTION: Diane Lebouthillier confirms her candidacy 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GRANDE-RIVIÈRE – Despite already confirming her candidacy on March 13, following her exclusion from Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney’s cabinet, Diane Lebouthillier reiterated on March 17 that she will be running in the next election under the Liberal banner in a virtual press briefing. 

Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Deschênes was quick to respond. 

“I know that since last week’s announcement, many have been speculating about my political future. I’m not going anywhere.” “I remain the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and I am more motivated than ever to seek the confidence of the people of Gaspésie and the Magdalen Islands for the fourth time in the next federal election,” says Ms. Lebouthillier, who wants to continue fighting for her people and has been questioned several times since March 13 by voters. 

She wanted to reassure her constituents, who have repeatedly asked her about her political future.  “I intend to put all my expertise, my knowledge of government mechanisms, and my network of contacts in the Cabinet to work because a Liberal member of Parliament in government will always be 100 times more effective than a Bloc Québécois member condemned to opposition,” she asserts. 

Ms. Lebouthillier points out that she has spoken to nearly a dozen ministers since March 13. “In all the election campaigns I’ve run, I’ve never negotiated a seat on the cabinet. It’s never been part of my way of working. It’s the Prime Minister’s prerogative to choose who will sit at the table,” says Ms. Lebouthillier who didn’t see Mark Carney’s gesture as a disavowal. 

She’s going against all odds, regardless of the polls.  “In 2015, we were the third horse. No one thought we could win the 2015 campaign, and we did. I’m not running because we’re sure or not sure we’ll win. I’m running because it’s important for the riding to have an elected official who will be part of a government that can and will be in power. A government that will make decisions,” analyzes the outgoing MP. 

But Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Deschênes has a completely different view. “This shows that Ms. Lebouthillier is a little confused and quite bothered because her main argument was to say, ‘Vote for me and I’ll be a strong voice in government.’ However, she has been excluded from the Cabinet. Mr. Carney has withdrawn his confidence in her,” comments Mr. Deschênes. 

The Bloc member even challenges her.  “She tells us she’s motivated? We’re going to test her motivation. I invite her to debate in all the riding’s MRCs during the election campaign, and we’ll see who has the best plan to defend the region at this important moment in our history,” he maintains. 

FEDERAL ELECTION: Diane Lebouthillier confirms her candidacy  Read More »

Bloc leader understands Kristina Michaud’s decision 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

OTTAWA – The leader of the Bloc Québécois understands Member of Parliament (MP) Kristina Michaud’s decision to devote herself to motherhood rather than the next electoral campaign. Yves-François Blanchet points out that the two have been discussing the situation for several weeks. 

“The timing is simply bad. The election is coming at the end of her pregnancy, which is not ideal for Kristina. It’s a new riding which reaches the Magdalen Islands and then, with a baby, to travel regularly to Ottawa. It’s huge,” mentions the Bloc leader. 

Usually, accommodations are possible to support young mothers. “Here, we are in an unreal situation. I understand the situation very well,” adds Mr. Blanchet. He notes that six or seven MPs have had children during the current legislature. “It works very well, but Kristina Michaud’s case is something else,” continues the Bloc leader. 

“Kristina was very brilliant in the political world and she will come back, I am convinced of it,” praises Mr. Blanchette. 

Without belittling the other members of his caucus, replacing Ms. Michaud at short notice will be a challenge. “We have an obligation to have a candidacy that will be brilliant. It’s a challenge that we will overcome in the coming days with enthusiasm,” he assures, adding that he does not want to drag things out, especially since an election could come quickly.  “We have so much momentum that the choice of candidates is going very well,” says the leader. 

Several names have been suggested 

Asked whether Guy Bernatchez, who was a Bloc candidate in the last two elections, was approached, Mr. Blanchet remains reserved. “I am not mentioning any names because only one candidate will emerge at the end of the process and I do not want to overshadow those who will not be candidates,” explains the Bloc leader. 

When contacted, Mr. Bernatchez, who was in the running in 2019 and 2021, finishing behind Liberal MP Diane Lebouthillier, did not want to give an interview. He simply mentioned that he would have to think about it. 

The withdrawal of Ms. Michaud, who had indicated last April in Grande-Rivière that she was in the race in the new riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj, has also sparked discussions within the Conservatives. 

A Conservative candidate in 2015, 2019 and 2021 in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Jean-Pierre Pigeon indicates that he is in discussions with the senior authorities of his party about a possible candidacy for the next election. 

Having worked in the insurance industry for 50 years, Mr. Pigeon is focusing first on the end of his career as he has sold his firm. The transaction will be effective on March 1. If he decides to run, the man who has been campaigning for the party since the days of Joe Clark would be in his fourth fight against Liberal MP Diane Lebouthillier, first elected in 2015. 

Asked to comment on Ms. Michaud’s departure, the Liberal MP sent a short reaction. “We hope she has a good end to her pregnancy and that she fully enjoys this precious moment as a mother,” said Ms. Lebouthillier from Newfoundland and Labrador, where she was on tour as the Minister of Fisheries. 

Bloc leader understands Kristina Michaud’s decision  Read More »

New petition to dismiss the Gespeg council 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gespeg Elders Circle is launching a new petition, this time demanding the dismissal of the council that was elected in September. 

The elders claim to have received evidence showing that the decision not to mail out an election notice to all members was an administrative decision by its general manager, Connie Jacques, which deprived several members of the Nation of their right to vote. 

“They didn’t follow the most important thing, which is to make sure that everyone in our community has the right to vote,” states spokesperson Linda Jean. 

The council has told the elders that it is not their decision. The Election Review Committee has responded to a request from a candidate for the position of chief. “The Chair of the Election agreed with Gespeg management that the Nation of Gespeg would forward all the documents produced by the Chair of the Election because the Nation’s leaders had all the information on the members’ contact information and were already aware of the functional transmission methods for voters,” said Ms. Jean, reading from a response sent to Mark Sinnett. 

Mr. Sinnett stated that the council must give the mandate to the Chair of the Elections, as governance cannot be involved in the process. 

“The management made the decision not to do mailouts due to costs. That’s what we were told. They were very aware of our custom of sending mailouts to all members so that all members have the information,” said Mr. Sinnett. 

Thus, the decision ultimately rested with the general manager, Connie Jacques. “The basic element that triggered our work is the fact that our members were not informed that there were elections,” added Mr. Sinnett. 

The Department of Indigenous Services Canada was not been approached, as Gespeg is not governed by the Indian Act for elections but by its own membership code. 

“Now, I believe that we can take steps after two public outings (during which their concerns were expressed). We have a lawyer who is guiding us and helping us steer the ship,” said Ms. Jean. 

The petition also mentions the need for the Council to be placed under trusteeship by the Government of Canada because the reading of the financial statements does not demonstrate the reality and shows poor management of the Nation’s funds. 

The group states that the Nation’s cash flow went from $6 million in 2022 to only $2 million in 2024, with a deficit of $917,000 in the last year. 

For the petition to be admissible, 206 signatures are required, or 50% + 1 of the 411 voters who participated in the September election. 

Last fall, the first petition that gathered more than 375 signatures from Gespeg members was rejected. The council responded that the document had to be filed with the President of Elections. 

During discussions at the annual general meeting on November 24, the current council confirmed that it was remaining in office, despite the wishes of the members. According to the council, all the rules of the electoral code were respected and, consequently, their election is legitimate. 

Ms. Jean is confident that this second petition will be successful. “The beauty of our committee is that we are here for our children and grandchildren. We are doing this because there are currently seven people who manage the building at the political level, without having had an adequate election, in our opinion,” says the spokesperson. Contrary to current custom, Gespeg elders are not entitled to the same respect as in other Aboriginal communities. “It’s crystal clear,” concludes Ms. Jean. 

New petition to dismiss the Gespeg council  Read More »

No election, says Gespeg council

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The petition asking the Micmac Nation of Gespeg band council to call a new election has close to 400 signatures. However, the band council refuses to resign, according to one of the petition’s initiators. 

The petition was presented on November 24 at the Gespeg’s annual general assembly. 

“The current council could not accept the petition. They indicated that it should be filed with the president. There was an hour and a half of discussion and now we have to go to the election of the president,” says one of the community elders, Mark Sinnett. 

“The council is taking it personally and our petition does not target any specific individual. We are asking the council to be a little serious and understand that we have 379 members of the community who are asking for a new election,” says Mr. Sinnett, who repeats that the electoral process was not done well. 

“Out of 2,200 members, 1,300 do not have an email address. This proves once again that the community was not informed of the election,” maintains Mr. Sinnett. 

“We will continue. We will not give up. This is a community that speaks,” he added. 

“Unfortunately, there are many flaws in the Electoral Code and it has become a code where the president will have to make decisions that are outside the framework because there is nothing written in the code to follow up. It will be his interpretation that will tell us where we are going with the petition and what happens next,” Mr. Sinnett analyzes. 

If an election were to be called, it would be done under the current code. 

“The real problem is that people were not respectfully informed that there was an election in Gespeg. What is urgent is that we go back to the election and we will see to correcting the Electoral Code,” concludes Mr. Sinnett. 

The petition calls for the electoral process to be restarted due to problems that arose during the election of September 8. 

Given the potential conflict of interest, the council has opted not to make a public statement. 

No election, says Gespeg council Read More »

Gespeg finally has a new chief

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

of Gespeg has a new chief: Yan Tapp has been appointed after a deadlock following the vote on September 8. 

Initially, Mark Sinnett won with 144 votes to Mr. Tapp’s 143. A third candidate, Céline Cassivi, received 122 votes. After three recounts, it was determained that the two leading candidates tied at 143 votes each. 

The Nation’s Electoral Code stipulates that in the event of a tie, a draw would determine the winner. However, both candidates contested this procedure, arguing that it was undemocratic and would only create divisions. They wanted a new election. 

“The process was complicated and I can’t wait for it to be over so that the community can move forward. Who expected it to be an equal result between Mark and me? It’s been a long time coming,” says Mr. Tapp as the electoral process continues to be contested. 

Despite being elected after his opponent withdrew, Mr. Tapp believes that he has all the legitimacy to lead the Nation. 

“In my opinion, ‘yes’. A lot of people voted and I think I have some support from Mark as well. I’m hoping that the members who voted for him will join me,” he says. 

“With everything I’ve done in my community over the last few years, I’ve worked in a number of departments. It was time to be chief,” says the elected candidate.

“We have to move forward to amend the Electoral Code. The code, when amended during the last mandate, had not been reviewed for a long time. There has always been the aspect of contestation in each mandate. This year, it will have to be reviewed as it should be,” says Mr. Tapp. 

“I have an idea to clarify a lot of things, such as the means of contesting and, when there is a contest, to define the consequences,” says the new chief. 

The principle of a draw, recognized by other levels of government, also needs to be reviewed. “Is it still relevant? From what I understand from a community lawyer, it’s still customary. We’ll have to see if it’s still current,” adds the chief. 

The two tied candidates said that the draw “was a strange process”, but Mr. Sinnett made his choice by not contacting the returning officer to confirm his participation in the draw. Mark Sinnettr has kept a low profile since withdrawing from the process leading to Yan Tapp’s victory. 

Gespeg finally has a new chief Read More »

Gespeg’s September 8 election to be contested

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI journalist

GASPÉ: – Two candidates who finished neck and neck in the September 8 election for Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg are contesting the results. 

Initially, Mark Sinnett received 144 votes, Yan Tapp received 143, and Céline Cassivi received 122 votes. 

After three recounts, the result was established at 143 votes for each of the top two candidates. 

As outlined in the Electoral Code, a random draw will determine who will be elected Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, however, both candidates described that method as nonsense, during an interview on September 18. 

“We don’t want to participate in a draw to become the chief to represent our community. I don’t think that’s being well received, I don’t think it’s credible for our community. We want to unite our community and not divide it,” explains Mark Sinnett. 

According to the two candidates, the members didn’t all receive the pertinent information regarding the election.  “There was a serious failure, and the turnout shows that people weren’t even aware that there was an election in Gespeg,” adds Mr. Sinnett. 

“In all transparency, we discussed the election and the process and, at one point, we decided that enough was enough and that we had to contest the election as a whole. We believe that all members should have been informed at the outset of the election process to have an election that reflects the community,” adds Yan Tapp. 

Distrust had been circulating around the election since June when members of the Nation questioned a proposed amendment to the Electoral Code suggesting that, in addition to the chief, seven of the eight councillors remain in Gaspé. 

Confidence was shaken as several members had questioned a lack of transparency on the part of the Council in the last few months, and maybe even years. 

“We lost our chief about eight or nine months ago. It’s not a lack of intention on the part of the council, but when there is no leader, there are a lot of questions from our members about the leadership of the council at the moment,” explains Mr. Sinnett, referring to Terry Shaw’s resignation for personal and professional reasons in January. 

The Electoral Code provides that, in the event of a dispute, a committee of three individuals must make the decision. 

“We’d like to start over. We know it won’t necessarily unfold the same way. We know there will be a lot of contestation. Yan and I didn’t make this decision lightly. We talked to each other and decided it was the best decision for the community’s future,” continues Mr. Sinnett. 

Mr. Tapp also says it’s “for the good of the community. We are two people who are not there for our personal gain, but for the benefit of the community.” 

The returning officer will need to notify Gespeg’s administrator regarding the next step concerning the election. “We’re going to do what we must do to have a new, complete election,” says Mr. Sinnett. 

Out of the approximately 2,200 members of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, only about 420 participated in the election. 

SPEC attempted to reach the president of the election but was unsuccessful. 

Gespeg’s September 8 election to be contested Read More »

Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia abolition contested – not before 2025

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The judicial review request following the decision to abolish the federal riding of Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia will not be heard before the beginning of 2025 according to a report by Droits collectifs Québec following a management conference on July 25.

The judge asked the attorney for Droits collectifs Québec, François Côté, to file his brief on August 16.
“The case is continuing but, unfortunately, for a hearing in the fall, hopes have been dashed out of hand by the length of the legal proceedings,” explains Mr. Côté. The Attorney General of Canada contested Droits collectifs Québec’s right to act, a motion that Justice Alexandra Steele dismissed in July.

Thus, the Attorney General and Elections Canada will have until November 15 to file their complete case to defend the abolition of the riding.

“We must file a request for a hearing by November 29, 2024, at the latest. We have completed our steps and the ball is now in the court of the Attorney General and Elections Canada,” said Mr. Côté.
“I don’t expect to get through (to be heard) before November 29, even with a miracle. I would be surprised if there were dates available between November 29 and December 31. We are heading towards something a little later than I had hoped,” notes the lawyer.

In the event of an early election call, the application for judicial review may not have been heard. Voting is scheduled for October 2025.

“We can only find it unfortunate that the courts did not uphold our request for a stay during the proceedings. If we find ourselves in a situation where we win our case while an election is called, there are questions to be asked about the speed and manner in which the rights of voters will be guaranteed by the Attorney General and Elections Canada. For the moment, we are in a hypothetical situation. We will hope for a resolution in the best-case scenario and everything is going well,” says Mr. Côté.

The application for judicial review is based on an opinion rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada referencing the Provincial Electoral Boundaries in Saskatchewan and the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act.

“The basic argument is that of effective representation and effective representation is not just a question of numbers. Regions, communities, geographic areas and regional histories also matter. If we only had a system with one head, one vote, we would have a democracy where the large metropolises have all the political power, which means that the less dense regional entities could not make their voices heard in a democracy,” argues Mr. Côté.

“Our parliamentary system tries to balance the two by having a system based on the right to vote, but which also takes into account the regions, the regional specificities, so that the diversity of everything that makes up a society does not only take into account the simple number of the population, but also its variety,” he maintains.

The adopted map presented in the summer of 2022 provoked an outcry from the entire political community in the Gaspé Peninsula.

Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia abolition contested – not before 2025 Read More »

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