Federal Election

Liberal’s Chatel cruises to victory

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By Trevor Greenway

Liberal incumbent Sophie Chatel was all smiles at Chelsea Pub, as she won a second term in the Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi riding and as her party formed a fourth consecutive government during Monday’s federal election on April 28. 

“I’m truly touched by the trust that you’ve given me to represent such a beautiful community,” said Chatel during her victory speech around 11 p.m. to a raucous crowd. “But this victory belongs to every one of you – everyone who believes in the power of community, the power of hope and hard work.”

And by the numbers, it was a breeze for Chatel in the riding. According to Elections Canada, with 97 per cent of the polls counted in this riding, Chatel took 52 per cent of the vote, with Conservative Brian Nolan taking just 30 per cent. The Bloc’s Suzanne Proulx took third place, while the NDP’s Gilbert Whiteduck fell to fourth on a night when his party lost official party status in the House of Commons with their projected seven seats. 

But it was a night of red and white at the Chelsea Pub, as Chatel cruised through the doors to the theme song from ‘Rocky’. There were close to 40 or so supporters cheering and waving mini Canadian flags. 

The cautious optimism that Liberals carried with them throughout the night quickly gave way to pure celebration, as the Liberals took an early lead and maintained it. And when Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s riding came on screen to show that he was losing by a large margin, the room erupted in cheers. 

Chatel told the Low Down that she felt the most significant shift in the campaign came when former Liberal prime minister Justin Trudeau stepped down, paving the way for Mark Carney to become the new face of the Liberal party, and offering the best chance at facing the tariff threats from the U.S. President Donald Trump. She called the move a “game changer.”

“Mark Carney is an amazing individual, but he has the experience, the vision, the plan, to face perhaps the biggest economic crisis that Canada has ever lived through since the Great Depression,” said Chatel. “And to face Donald Trump and also the AI revolution and the transition to a clean economy.”

Locally, Chatel spoke of the “opportunity” in the riding to remove interprovincial trade barriers, increase support for farmers and small business owners, and to support affordable housing in the region. On that note, she said the Liberals would support axing GST for new home purchases. 

Chatel also spoke about the schism that Canada had seen over the past few years with the pandemic, language and politics, but she said that she is done feeding into “divisive Canada.”

“There’s no time for division,” she said. “It’s time to unite. No matter who you voted for this election, it’s time to unite and build. It’s time to speak with one voice.”

Chatel also said she would stand up for English rights in Quebec and stated her support for a Liberal intervention at the Supreme Court of Canada over Bill 96 should Quebec’s controversial language law make it to Canada’s highest court. 

But Chatel voted for C-13, an Act to amend the Official Languages Act, and defended her stance, arguing that C-13 actually strengthens French outside of Quebec while supporting anglophones in Quebec. 

“C-13 to me is legislation to protect the French minority outside of Quebec, which is really at risk,” said Chatel. “It’s good legislation because it brought investment for our minority groups so that they have equal opportunities, especially for employment.”

As for her first order of business, Chatel said she is immediately dusting off her Gatineau Park protection bill and will work with Senator Rosa Galvez to push it through. 

“It’s a natural jewel,” said Chatel of Gatineau Park, which attracts more than two million visitors each year to the region. “It is an economic attraction. And when we talk about unlocking economic potential, there is a lot of eco tourism there, so we need to protect it.”

By press time, polls were still being counted, and it’s unclear if the Liberals will form a majority or minority government. 

Conservatives ‘proud’ of gains in riding

Brian Nolan’s Conservative campaign won a level of support for the Tories not seen in the riding in more than a decade. 

Though final counts are not quite complete, by press time Nolan had placed in second, with about 28 per cent of the vote in Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi – an eight-point increase from the 2021 election. 

After conceding the race just before midnight on April 28, Nolan told the Low Down he was proud of the campaign he ran and appreciative of the volunteers and supporters. 

“I was really present, and I tried to connect with people,” Nolan said in an interview after the results came out. He added that he thinks that’s why his campaign resonated with over 15,000 Hills voters.

At 9 p.m., Nolan saw a pathway to victory locally and nationally for the Conservatives. He predicted strong support for his campaign in the north and west portions of the riding. Standing outside his campaign office on Old Chelsea Road, waiting for results to come in, Nolan told the Low Down that he had been throughout the riding to polling stations on April 28, thanking supporters who were out casting their vote. He said he was happy with the campaign he ran, accumulating 9,000 kilometres on his truck and speaking with about 4,000 constituents in the month-long campaign.

At 9:30 p.m., when polls closed, the chatter and energy in the office increased as 18 people, including Nolan and his family, watched the TV for results. 

When Nolan’s name came on screen, there was a cheer and proclamation of, “We’re tied right now,” as the broadcast showed a 0-0 tie for all the candidates in the riding. 

Thirty-five minutes after Quebec polls closed, however, the broadcast called the election in favour of the Liberals, and the room sat motionless. Someone made a fake retching noise when Carney’s picture came on screen. 

Discussion of Pierre Poilievre in the room grew as the Liberals opened a wide lead, but criticisms of the party leader subsided, as results changed and it became clear that the Conservatives had made gains across the country but not enough to form government. 

Liberal candidate Sophie Chatel maintained a narrow lead over Nolan for a couple of hours, with Nolan keeping a close eye on the number of votes still to come. Just before midnight, however, Chatel’s lead had begun to widen, and Nolan conceded the election.

“It’s been a long day,” Nolan said at midnight. “Discouraged a little bit and disappointed.” 

Nolan told the Low Down that he had had a good feeling he had a chance, but said the residents had made their choice. 

“I think we did everything right,” he said, adding that he felt he “had the pulse” of the riding’s rural population in the north and west, but he said much of the riding was attracted to the message of Mark Carney. 

“I don’t think [voters] were supporting Sophie much because she hasn’t done much [for] the riding,” he said, criticizing her for focusing on the tourism industry. “People wanted to vote for Mr. Carney … Sophie was never selling herself, she was mostly selling Carney,” he added. 

Nolan wished the best for Chatel, and said he’ll be back at it again when the next election comes. He said he hopes the minority government will fall in two years so he can run again.

Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi NDP candidate falls to Liberals

NDP candidate Gilbert Whiteduck may have lost in Monday’s federal election, but the former Kitigan-Zibi chief and Algonquin from the Anishinabeg First Nation says he will continue to stand up for what he believes in.

“Tomorrow’s another day. Many of the issues in the riding are still going to be there. I’ll work on those that I have time to work on,” said Whiteduck to the Low Down. He said he will continue to advocate for environmental issues, the Gatineau River and many other issues in the riding.

Nationally and locally, the NDP came in 4th in the election, after the Bloc Quebecois. With so few seats, the NDP lost its official party status.

Whiteduck’s campaign team sat in campaign manager Toby Sanger’s house Monday night, in Wakefield, watching the election results coming in around 11 p.m. 

He got just five per cent of the vote – 2,921 by press time. 

Shortly after Whiteduck and his wife, Patricia, arrived closer to 10:45 p.m., the room erupted in applause, and he said a few words, including thanking his wife and the people gathered around the television. 

“I don’t think I could have done it without all of you,” he said to the group. It was Whiteduck’s first time running in an election. 

A couple of the people in the room mentioned to the Low Down that Whiteduck was the reason they wanted to be involved in the first place. 

“He has the integrity I long for in a politician,” said Ilse Turnsen, a member of his campaign team. She said she’s happy to vote for someone she believes in.  

Whiteduck ran a unique campaign throughout the Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi riding, with no political pamphlets being handed out to residents. Instead, Whiteduck said he created dialogue “circles”  where people gathered and spoke.

As a message to all voters, he thanked them for considering him, and said that “the importance of working together and working on common issues is really important.” 

Despite falling to fourth place, the room remained positive throughout the night. 

Whiteduck said he may run again, but he mentioned that a lot can happen in four years, so he is unsure if he will run again at this time. 

By press time, the riding counted 97 per cent of the vote. 

Liberal’s Chatel cruises to victory Read More »

Election Q&A: The environment how will parties save our planet

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Environmental protection is a big topic among local voters these days. With increased mining claims being staked in our region, continued development near Gatineau Park and the Gatineau River and threatened species in the Gatineau Hills, what will your party to do conserve more green space, protect wetlands, and save threatened flora and fauna in our region?

Gilbert Whiteduck, New Democratic Party 

The rivers, land and all species should be sacred to everyone. To protect our environment, the Gatineau River needs legal protection and personhood, which is why I co-founded the Tenàgàdino Alliance: to achieve legal rights for the Gatineau River. I’m not opposed to development, but it must be responsible. Building a nuclear waste dump beside the Ottawa River is not responsible: Conservative and Liberal governments should never have allowed it to proceed. I’m also concerned about the recent explosion of mining claims in our region, which could lead to a destructive legacy.  The NDP was the first party – 20 years ago – to introduce a bill to protect Gatineau Park as an actual national park and prevent it from shrinking further, but the Liberals defeated it. As traditional guardians of this land, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community should become stewards of the park. This needs to be a collaborative effort. 

Todd Hoffman, People’s Party of Canada

My response might be surprising to some. On the environment, while the PPC is strongly opposed to the globalist approach to climate change, when it comes to local concerns we weigh towards the will of the community. Our principals have always been based on fairness, respect and responsibility. As to the questions raised, civic responsibility and respect for nature are areas we hold in high regard. The PPC belief is that citizens and municipal and regional governments are the best to work on finding the right fit to find the balance between those that are concerned and those who wish to develop. In human agency, just as in nature, a balance can be found for everything. We believe in the will of the people. If the people on the ground want it, good. If they do not, forget it. But never, no outside lobbyist to influence the outcome.

Sophie Chatel, Liberal party (Incumbent)

Protecting the natural heritage of Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi is a top priority for me. I led a conservation project with Kitigan Zibi that made our region the first in Canada with a roadmap to meet our international nature protection goals. This is the Kidjimaninan initiative, which brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to protect our region’s biodiversity. I co-led a bill to give Gatineau Park the legal protections it deserves, and I am committed to reintroducing it in the next session. This is part of my vision for a green and prosperous Outaouais, where conservation and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Under Mark Carney’s leadership, a Liberal government will go further by creating 10 new national parks, expanding Indigenous-led conservation, investing $100 million in freshwater protection and funding nature-based climate solutions that preserve wetlands, biodiversity and critical habitats. This is how we build a greener future for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi.

Claude Bertrand, Green party

Protecting the environment has been the GPC’s raison d’être for the past 41 years. It has a very substantial popular support amongst Canadians of all stripes, but thanks to Canada’s dramatically flawed first-past-the-post electoral system, the GPC currently only has two MPs in the House of Commons.  Mining activities carried out within or even near populated areas severely undermine the citizen’s quality of life and the environment. In the same way, housing developments within park boundaries are very enticing for those who can afford them but are detrimental to the enjoyment of users who seek a connection with nature. Quebec may be the most environmentally responsible province, and many volunteer organizations struggle to protect the local environment. The GPC carries out targeted actions by fostering a network of like-minded organizations and citizens who aim to shape local environmental laws and programming by province and municipalities.

Brian Nolan, Conservative party

Environmental protection is a priority for the Conservative Party of Canada, especially in regions like ours, where natural beauty and biodiversity are at risk. We recognize the importance of preserving green space, protecting wetlands and conserving threatened species in the Gatineau Hills, Gatineau Park and along the Gatineau River. Our approach is practical and science-based. We will work collaboratively with local communities, First Nations and provincial governments to protect ecologically sensitive areas, while supporting responsible development. We are committed to strengthening environmental assessments, promoting habitat restoration and empowering community-led conservation initiatives. Our goal is to ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural treasures we value today. Conservatives believe environmental protection and economic growth can go hand-in-hand through smart, sustainable decision-making. By respecting nature and empowering those closest to it, we can build a greener, more prosperous future for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi and all Canadians.

Election Q&A: The environment how will parties save our planet Read More »

Federal election Q&A: Bill 96 where parties stand on language

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By Trevor Greenway

The Quebec government passed Bill 96, which restricts the use of English in businesses and public services, using the notwithstanding clause. This allowed the government to bypass the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Bill 96 negatively impacts minority language constituents in their day-to-day lives, such as by restricting access to services. How would your party address this bill and/or improve the situation for the minority language population of this riding?

Claude Bertrand, Green party

Because of its language, culture and unique history within the Canadian federation, Quebec has a special status within Canada. On Nov. 22, 2006, a “Québécois nation” motion was tabled in Parliament by Stephen Harper, then prime minister of Canada. Five days later, on Nov. 27, the motion was approved, 265–16, with support from every party in the House of Commons. Living in a predominantly French-speaking “island” in an otherwise predominantly English-speaking North America (excluding Mexico), Quebecers have managed to this day to preserve their distinct character, language and culture. Like the Green party, Quebecers value inclusion, diversity and social democracy. The Green Party of Canada fully recognizes Quebec’s status as a distinct nation within Canada. We thus recognize the right of Quebecers to decide together their political and constitutional future, including the decision, manifested through their democratically-elected national assembly, to make French the only official language in Quebec.

Brian Nolan, Conservative party

The Conservative Party of Canada is deeply concerned about the use of the notwithstanding clause to override Charter rights. Bill 96 has created real challenges for English-speaking Quebecers, especially in regions like Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi, where bilingualism is a way of life. A Conservative government would work constructively with Quebec to ensure that essential services such as healthcare, education and justice remain accessible in both official languages. We believe in protecting minority rights, supporting language duality and ensuring no one is left behind because of the language they speak. As your local Conservative candidate, I will be a strong voice for all residents of the Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi riding. I will always defend the rights of English-speaking communities and work to ensure they are treated with fairness, respect and equality, because language should never be a barrier to accessing services or opportunities.

Todd Hoffman, People’s Party of Canada (PPC)

The PPC is the best federal party to tackle the question of English minority rights within Quebec. We are the party of freedom of expression, protecting Canadians from censorship and discrimination. The PPC would repeal bad legislation on the federal level. For Bill 96 and the notwithstanding clause, we would review Bill C-13 “Act to amend the Official Languages Act” that our MP, Ms. [Sophie] Chatel, voted in favour of in 2023. This amendment tied a federal act to a discriminatory provincial act, bypassing the Canadian Charter of Rights. A very disappointing vote on her part. My record in advocating language rights is well documented. Like many other local businesses, I have in the past been served with papers from the Office québécois de la langue française (OLF) for a perceived social media violation. My resistance to being put on notice by the OLF was featured in a National Post article in 2024. 

Sophie Chatel, Liberal party (Incumbent)

Bill 96 has created challenges for anglophones in Quebec, including in Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi. The Quebec government pre-emptively invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield the law from Charter challenges, raising significant concerns about its impact on fundamental rights. This use of the clause prevents courts from reviewing whether the law respects the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Liberal party believes in protecting both of Canada’s official languages and supports efforts to promote French in Quebec. But that must never come at the expense of people’s rights. No government should be able to bypass the Charter without accountability. A Liberal government will intervene in any Supreme Court challenge of a government’s pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause, as such use would effectively make the Charter of Rights optional. Defending the Charter is how we protect the rights of minority language communities, including in Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi, and ensure their voices are heard.

Gilbert Whiteduck, New Democratic Party (NDP)

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has recently stated that, if elected government, the NDP would not intervene if a challenge to Bill 96 reached the Supreme Court. I completely sympathize with those, including francophones and anglophones, who feel their native language is under threat. Through colonization, the Algonquin Anishininabeg language, Anishinaabwemowin, was negatively impacted. We collectively continue to work hard to preserve it, but it is still less well-known among some of our members than English or French. I deeply object to those who opportunistically use language politics to divide us. I believe the preservation and growth of our rich and diverse cultural heritages makes us stronger.  Knowledge and appreciation of different languages and cultures enriches us and shouldn’t come at the expense of our native languages. I support all minority language rights and would do whatever I can to protect and support them through federal legislation and financial support.

Federal election Q&A: Bill 96 where parties stand on language Read More »

Conservative candidate said he didn’t approve ‘best-looking candidate’ post

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By Trevor Greenway

Local Journalism Reporter

Conservative candidate for the Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi riding Brian Nolan says he did not approve a fake news post claiming that he was “Pontiac’s best-looking candidate.”

Nolan’s communications team posted a photo of The Equity’s front page from last week, but photoshopped it to read, “The Pontiac’s best looking candidate: Brian Nolan” with a heart penciled over Nolan’s photo. 

In an interview with the Low Down March 31, two days after the post went up on social media, Nolan said he did not approve the post, nor was he aware it was even made. 

“No, it’s not me, it’s the person that’s in charge of my social media,” said Nolan. “I was not aware of it.”

Nolan said he has had a busy week knocking on doors in the riding and “didn’t have a chance to check all my social media.” He said that after speaking with The Equity about the post, he asked if they wanted him to remove it. 

“I said, ‘Do you have a problem with it?’ I said I could remove it, I have no issue,” Nolan said he told The Equity. “I don’t know why it was there and who put it there, so I did my investigation and found that it’s the person that’s in charge of my social media. They put it there, and I never approved it, and I removed it since.”

Nolan confirmed that the post has since been removed. 

Canadians head to the polls on April 28.

Conservative candidate said he didn’t approve ‘best-looking candidate’ post Read More »

The Greens, NDP, and PPC all field local candidates

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Among the other major political parties, the New Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the People’s Party of Canada have all named their candidates in the Beauharnois-Salaberry-Soulanges-Huntingdon (BSSH) and the Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville ridings.

The NDP nominated first-time candidate Tyler Jones to run in the BSSH riding on January 24. A passionate advocate for workers’ rights and environmental protection, the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield resident is campaigning during evenings and weekends while continuing his work as a courier. He has been busy on the ground, going door-to-door and working the phones, saying he wants to get a feel for every part of the riding.

“My number one priority for my campaign is agriculture,” says Jones, noting he has spoken with many farm families about the current realities facing area producers. Climate change is also high on his list of priorities, as is lowering the cost of living and building affordable homes. While the trade war with the United States is a concern, he prefers to focus on the riding’s constituents and less on what Donald Trump has to say.

Jones says he has a special affinity for the Chateauguay Valley, having lived briefly with his family in Ormstown. He and his wife are big supporters of the buy local movement, and can often be found at local restaurants, markets, and activities.

Hannah Wolker will run for the NDP for a second time in the Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding. The party has only very recently confirmed her nomination. She is a grassroots organizer with deep roots in the riding.

Green Party of Canada

The Green Party has named Kristian Solarik as the candidate for the BSSH riding. He last ran for office in the 2022 provincial election as a candidate with the Green Party of Quebec. He currently serves on the executive committee and the shadow cabinet for the party at the provincial level as the transportation critic. He advocates for forward-thinking policies that prioritize environmental sustainability, accessibility, and innovation.

Originally from Montreal, Solarik has lived in the riding for 15 years with his partner and nine-year-old son. He works as a sales representative for a Quebec-based company that provides rolling stock and safety equipment to businesses throughout the Suroît region. He says his background in transportation and safety have afforded him a practical perspective and solution driven approach to the challenges facing his community.

Solarik maintains his campaign is “rooted in the belief that bold, green leadership can drive meaningful progress for families, businesses, and the environment.”

Martine Desrochers has been confirmed as the Green Party of Canada’s candidate in the Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding.

People’s Party of Canada

The People’s Party of Canada has nominated Martin Lévesque in the BSSH riding. He says he is driven by a deep commitment to defending his community and the fundamental values of freedom, personal responsibility, respect and fairness.

Lévesque says he believes that “Canada can regain its prosperity and give power back to the people, if we have the courage of our convictions.”

Nicolas Guérin will run in the neighbouring Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding for the PPC. An electrical engineer and family man, he says he champions reforms rooted in freedom, responsibility, fairness, and respect. “Citizens need to take charge of their country to stop the plundering of our wealth and secure our children’s future,” he says, while arguing that all citizens must unite against globalism.

Raised in Quebec with Scottish, French, and Indigenous (Pekuakamiulnu) roots, Guérin served three years in the Canadian Armed Forces. While working full-time as an engineer, he also runs a farm where he produces pasture-raised eggs with his family, including his three children.

Guerin says he prioritizes policies that would “pause immigration, deport illegals and criminals, and prioritize jobs and housing for Canadians.” He also believes the Canadian Multiculturalism Act should be repealed, and rejects equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as gender-based ideology. He believes Canada should work with Donald Trump to “free the economy,” and aims to protect national sovereignty by leaving the United Nations and strengthening national security.

The Greens, NDP, and PPC all field local candidates Read More »

Experienced candidates to stump for the Bloc Québécois

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Claude DeBellefeuille launched her seventh election campaign on April 3 in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield with her eyes set on a fifth term in Ottawa – this time representing the Beauharnois-Salaberry-Soulanges-Huntingdon (BSSH) riding. 

DeBellefeuille said she was motivated by the positive energy in the crowd of over 150 supporters as she took to the stage at the Microbrasserie du Vieux Canal, referring to this election as one of the most significant in her 19-year career as a politician. She thanked her team, her family, including her father, René, who looked on proudly, her supporters, and the 150 volunteers working on her campaign. 

A social worker by training, DeBellefeuille has worked as the director general for the Centre d’Action Bénévole de Valleyfield, and with the Centre Intégré de Santé et Services Sociaux de la Montérégie Ouest (CISSSMO). She was first elected to parliament as an MP between 2006 and 2011, where she held various responsibilities within the Bloc Québécois as deputy critic for agriculture and agri-food, as critic for natural resources, and culture and heritage critic. She was appointed as the party’s deputy whip in 2008, and chief whip in 2010.

DeBellefeuille reprised her role as whip after she was re-elected in 2019 and in 2021. After stepping down from the position in December 2024, she most recently took on the role of public security and civil protection critic within her party.

Since announcing her candidacy, DeBellefeuille has spoken out in support of protecting supply management and agriculture in trade agreements, promising this would be the subject of the first bill proposed by the Bloc Québécois as soon as parliament reconvenes following the election in June. “During international negotiations, all countries can protect a certain number of products, and we must ensure that our dairy, eggs, and poultry are not affected,” she insists, noting there are more than 1,000 farms and over 2,000 agricultural producers in the BSSH riding. “It is a pillar of the Quebec agricultural model, and we must not give anything up,” she says, referring to anticipated trade negotiations with the U.S. administration.

DeBellefeuille has also promised to defend and protect the economic interests of small and medium-sized businesses in the riding in the context of the trade war with the United States. “In the coming weeks, I will be criss-crossing the constituency to remind people that it is inconceivable to abandon Quebec’s specific economic interests in the context of negotiations with our American neighbors,” she says, noting entrepreneurs are already feeling the impact of tariffs.

The experienced candidate has been meeting with entrepreneurs, most recently during the annual general assembly for the Association des Gens d’Affaires d’Ormstown et des Environs on April 1, to gain a better understanding of the impacts being experienced on the ground. She is also working with the different economic development departments at local MRCs and is part of a monitoring committee initiated by Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

“Since the election of Donald Trump, the world we live in has changed. In the face of the tariff threats and the difficult negotiations to come, the danger is that Canada’s economic interests will be prioritized over Quebec economic sectors,” she explains, noting “It is the Bloc Québécois that defends our workers, our businesses, our farmers, and our seniors.”

Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville

Patrick O’Hara opened his campaign headquarters on March 29 in Chateauguay, where he is running for the second time representing the Bloc Québécois.

O’Hara was born in British Columbia and was adopted by a family of farmers who eventually settled on Montreal’s North Shore. It was a passion for hockey that first led O’Hara to discover Chateauguay. It was here that he opened his first business before joining the La Cage aux Sports group, where he worked as a shareholder-operator in Saint-Constant for several years. Eventually he joined the Chateauguay-based distributor Entreprises Robert Thibert as vice-president of business development, marketing, and public relations for North America.

O’Hara has also played an important role in the community, serving on the board of directors for the Fondation Gisèle Faubert in Mercier, the Centre Horizon in Léry, and the Fondation Anna-Laberge in Chateauguay.

In 2021, O’Hara lost the election to Liberal incumbent Brenda Shanahan by 12 votes following a judicial recount. He says he is returning with the same determination to become an MP “who is close to the people of this constituency that I love so much.”

Experienced candidates to stump for the Bloc Québécois Read More »

Two engineers run for the Liberals 

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Liberal candidate Nathalie Provost launched her campaign to represent the Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding on March 29, while inaugurating her campaign offices in Chateauguay in the presence of volunteers and supporters.

An engineer and gun control advocate, Provost was among the survivors of the 1989 École Polytechnique shootings who founded the PolySeSouvient advocacy group. Her work as an activist for gun control and the prevention of violence against women and children led her to serve as vice-chair of the Canadian Firearms Registry from 2017 to 2019. She now holds senior management positions in the civil service of the Quebec government, where she is currently on leave from her position with the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte Contre les Changements Climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs.

The mother of four young adults, Provost has maintained close ties with the Châteauguay-Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding both professionally and through family connections. She says the riding is similar to her hometown in the Berthier-Maskinongé region, which is also very agricultural. “It is the same environment in which I was born,” she says, noting she is very comfortable in both the rural and urban worlds.

Provost is also very aware that her riding runs along the border and that security and trade issues are very important. “I worked with my counterparts in my past job with New York State representatives and I know we can work together and that the quality of our relationship with our neighbors. Even if it’s very, very strange at the higher levels right now, we have to work on the ground,” she says.

She adds that she is pushing the Liberal Party to talk about the issues facing the farming community. “We are talking about industrialization, we are talking about productivity, but we are not really talking about agriculture,” she points out.

Provost insists that if elected, she will make sure the voices of those from the southern part of the region, including the municipalities that until very recently were counted as part of the former Salaberry-Suroît riding, will be heard in Ottawa. She says it will be important despite the vast territory covered by the riding. “With the pandemic, we learned to work with distance,” she explains, noting that accessibility is a priority for her campaign.

Beauharnois-Salaberry-Soulanges-Huntingdon

A soon-to-be engineer has thrown his hat in the ring for the Liberal party in the Beauharnois-Salaberry-Soulanges-Huntingdon riding. Miguel Perras is a third-year mechanical engineering student at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, where he is involved in the university debate club and parliamentary simulations.

The 21-year-old says that while his candidacy may be somewhat unconventional, he is driven by a “strong desire to represent my region and defend the issues that affect our daily lives.”

Perras grew up on a small family farm where he says he learned the value of hard work, resilience, and commitment. He says that having worked on both the factory floor and in engineering offices within the metallurgy industry, he has seen the impacts of the economic conditions created by current trade relations.

He joined the Liberal party, but suggests he believes many of the issues facing the region transcend party lines. Perras admits that while he had always planned on becoming more directly involved with politics, he did not think the day would come so soon.

Two engineers run for the Liberals  Read More »

Election Q&As: Hills housing crisis

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by Trevor Greenway

Local Journalism Reporter

The federal election is upon us – and it’s coming fast. With just three or so weeks left until Canadians head to the polls to pick their next MP and ruling party on April 28, the intensity will ramp up fast. 

National headlines will give you the latest on Canada vs. Trump and how the respective leaders stack up against the U.S. president, but here in the Hills, we will be grilling our candidates on the local economy, the environment, Quebec politics and local journalism as we inch towards election day. With just three publications left until the vote, we are focussing our coverage on a series of Q&As focused on local issues. 

Issue number one is the housing crisis in the Gatineau Hills. We asked all five candidates to answer the following question and gave them a 150-word limit on their answers, which have been edited for grammar, length and style. 

Q: The Table de développement social des Collines-de-l’Outaouais (TDSCO) found that more than 3,000 residents in the region are living in homes they can’t afford. This is based upon the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) affordable housing threshold of 30 per cent of a household income being put towards housing. What will your party do to ease the housing crunch in the region?

Sophie Chatel, Liberal party

Families across Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi are struggling to afford a place to live. 

The housing crisis is real, and it’s hitting our region. Under Mark Carney’s leadership, the Liberal party is ready to act with an ambitious housing plan. 

We’ll double the pace of construction to 500,000 homes a year, launch Build Canada Homes to get the federal government back into building, eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers, unlock private capital, cut red tape and lower building costs. 

No single solution exists, but we’ll be an active partner in getting more homes built. Programs like the Rapid Housing Initiative and Housing Accelerator Fund have delivered over 1,000 homes in the Outaouais, with a new phase supporting water infrastructure, so municipalities can build more housing. 

[Pierre] Poilievre says he’ll cut these programs. I’m committed to working with all levels of government and local partners to ensure everyone has an affordable home.

Claude Bertrand, Green party

Shelter, like food, water and clothing, is fundamental to survival. The Green party recognizes that for many Canadians the high cost of housing is making it difficult to meet other basic needs. 

Canada needs to rapidly double its stock of social housing. 

The Green party wants publicly-funded housing to be truly affordable. It makes no sense to continue basing payments for a social housing unit on prices in today’s inflated housing market. 

Real affordability means that an individual or family in social housing should be able to pay their rent or mortgage with 30 per cent of their regular income. 

And there should be covenants to ensure that public housing cannot at some future time be purchased by profit-driven corporations. Given our 150-word limit, there is no room to cover other Green party ideas for responding to the crisis in private and public housing. 

I look forward to further opportunities to communicate with voters on this critical topic.

Gilbert Whiteduck, NDP

Under Conservative and Liberal governments, the federal government severely cut support for affordable housing over recent decades. Billions in federal funding since has gone to private developers, who have hiked rents and house prices. This resulted in the affordable housing crisis we are in. To help solve this crisis, the NDP would:

  • Make federal Crown land available to build 100,000 rent-controlled homes and speed up approvals, while respecting the treaty and inherent rights of Indigenous communities;
  • Invest $1 billion to purchase more federal land to build more rent-controlled homes;
  • Create a Community Housing Bank to provide low-cost financing to co-ops, non-profits and Indigenous communities;
  • Help non-profits buy affordable apartments;
  • Ban corporations from buying existing affordable rental buildings and hiking rents;
  • Provide low-interest publicly-backed loans to families buying their first home, saving families thousands annually.

Todd Hoffman, People’s Party of Canada

nada is a concern for many. 

The People’s Party of Canada (PPC) has a plan to help ease this problem which in essence is the shrinking of individual savings. Here are three, of several, consideration points. Firstly, the PPC would privatize or dismantle the CMHC, a government agency that fuels the housing crisis instead of cooling it down. All it has done is encourage Canadians to buy houses they cannot afford. 

Secondly, The Bank of Canada inflation targets need to be modified, from two per cent to zero per cent. This would cool down inflation in all sectors, including housing. 

Thirdly, the PPC would work to end supply management by the food cartel. This would lower the next biggest household expense, which is groceries, thereby putting more disposable income in people’s pockets. 

The PPC will have people living in homes without financial stress.

Brian Nolan, Conservative party

A Conservative government will take concrete action to address this crisis by increasing housing supply, making home ownership more affordable and supporting rental and affordable housing projects.

  • Increasing housing supply

We will work with municipalities to cut red tape and fast-track housing approvals, ensuring that new homes can be built faster and more efficiently. By incentivizing local governments to meet housing targets, we can increase the number of homes available and reduce upward pressure on prices. Additionally, we will promote the development of multi-unit housing and rental projects to create more affordable living options for residents.

  • Making home ownership more affordable

The rising cost of home ownership is pushing families out of the market. A Conservative government will focus on lowering inflation and stabilizing interest rates through responsible fiscal management, making it easier for families to afford mortgages. We have announced that we will remove the GST on homes below $1.3 million for everyone, which will provide significant relief, particularly in our riding. 

Election Q&As: Hills housing crisis Read More »

Hills hopefuls hit the campaign trail

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Trevor Greenway

The campaign is underway to find Canada’s next prime minister – and the Hills’ next MP.

On March 23, Prime Minister Mark Carney went to Rideau Hall and requested that Governor General Mary Simon dissolve Parliament, which triggered a spring election, with Canadians heading to the polls on April 28. 

The snap election call doesn’t leave a lot of time for candidates to pitch their platforms to constituents, and it will be a mad dash for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi hopefuls to convince local voters that their plan is the best moving forward. 

It will be the shortest possible campaign allowed by Canadian law – just six weeks – with advance polls opening over the Easter weekend. 

Here in the Hills, The Low Down will bring you the low down on all your local candidates, information on how and where to vote, how to ensure you’re on the registered list of voters and other useful election information. 

2025 Federal Election – Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi riding

Election date: April 28, 2025

Advance Polls: Friday, April 18 – Monday, April 21

Where to vote: visit www.elections.ca on April 1 for polling station locations.

How to register: visit www.elections.ca and click on “check or update your registration.” Follow through the required steps and register online.

Voter requirements: 

  • One piece of government-issued ID (driver’s licence or other government ID with photo and current address);

OR

  • two pieces of ID that have your name; at least one must have your current address. (e.g. voter eligibility card and utility bill with current address);

OR

  • If you do not have an ID, you must declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).

Keep picking up the Low Down in the coming weeks for more election coverage, where we hope to dig into party platforms with Q&As, reader questions, local initiatives and issues that affect us in the Hills. There will be plenty of issues to dig into with a housing shortage, a health crisis and a federal fight over religious symbols that is winding its way to the Supreme Court. The Low Down is your source for everything local this election. 

Meet your candidates:

Liberal Party of Canada – Sophie Chatel (incumbent)

  • Gatineau resident
  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Development
  • Chair, rural caucus

Conservative Party of Canada – Brian Nolan

  • Chelsea resident
  • Technology consultant
  • Business leader for cannabis startups

NDP – Gilbert Whiteduck

  • Kitigan Zibi resident
  • Former chief, Kitigan Zibi
  • Indigenous leader
  • Executive-director, Gatineau Valley Historical Society
  • Former teacher, guidance counsellor, school principal

Green Party of Canada – Claude Bertrand

  • Masham resident
  • Engineer
  • Former RCAF pilot

People’s Party of Canada – Todd Hoffman

  • Campbell’s Bay resident
  • Former RCAF member
  • Business owner
  • High school teacher

*The Bloc Quebecois party has yet to announce a candidate for the Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi riding.

Hills hopefuls hit the campaign trail Read More »

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