Mayoral candidates share commitments to Gatineau’s growing homelessness population

Djeneba Dosso

Head of Action Gatineau Maude Marquis-Bissonnette is set to be the city’s new mayor according to Sunday’s byelection results. The candidate who was ahead of the race from the very start delivered a moving speech in front of family, friends and supporters at le Minotaure on June 9.

Following France Bélisle’s resignation in February, seven candidates decided to run for office for a 17-month mandate. Marquis-Bissonnette, who placed second in the 2021 elections, came out on top, earning 41.7 per cent of the vote, followed by former mayor Yves Ducharme with 30.9 per cent. The City of Gatineau reported a turnout of just over 33 per cent with 67,118 people casting ballots.

The former councillor delivered a moving speech surrounded by family, friends and members of Action Gatineau at the Bar Minotaure in Hull.

“Thank you to the Gatinois for their trust. I am touched, honoured. I take my responsibilities seriously. I will be the mayor of everyone. I intend to work with the entire city council,” she said.

Due to the unusual nature of this election, Marquis-Bissonnette will step into office hitting the ground running. During her campaign, she stressed her commitment to protecting the city’s heritage and promoting environmentally responsible development.

“I am aware that there are high expectations,” she added. “In 17 months, we will not be able to settle everything, but I would like us to give ourselves more hope, to continue to build a sense of belonging, to make people proud of Gatineau. We can dream big. We can build everything. Thank you Gatineau, thank you everyone.”

Last night was a double victory for Action Gatineau, who also earned a new seat at town hall. Catherine Craig-St-Louis was elected as new municipal councillor of the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district, replacing Olive Kamanyana who had to step down to run for mayor. This win means that Action Gatineau, the only political party in the city, now has nine out of 19 municipal councillors.

Photo caption: Citizens gather at the Cabane en Bois Rond on May 19 to offer their solutions to the growing homelessness crisis grappling Gatineau.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark