Mayor appoints executive committee exclusively from Action Gatineau

Sophie Demers 

Newly re-elected Gatineau mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette announced her selection for the new executive committee. Hull-Wright councillor Steve Moran will remain the president of the committee, while Marquis-Bissonette will serve as vice-president. The other members include Deschênes councillor Caroline Murray, Manoir-des-Trembles-Val-Tétreau councillor Adrian Corbo and Carrefour-de-l'Hôpital councillor Catherine Craig-St-Louis. All elected officials on the committee are Action Gatineau members. The independent councillor and Équipe Mario Aubé are not represented. 

"I am delighted to present an executive committee that is gender-balanced and represents both the west and east sides of the city. Each member of this committee brings a unique perspective and valuable expertise. I am confident that our collaboration will directly contribute to serving all Gatineau residents. We also intend to draw on the strengths and interests of all members of the municipal council to carry out our work," said Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.

In a press conference the day of the announcement, the mayor addressed why she chose a 100% Action Gatineau committee. “As far as Équipe Mario Aubé is concerned, I would like to have representatives on the Executive Committee,” said Marquis-Bissonnette. “The offer was extended. There have been good discussions. It was their prerogative to refuse and that's what they did.” She also noted that the goal is always to get everyone to contribute and to foster a climate of collaboration. 

Julie Bélisle, Équipe Mario Aubé, and newly elected councillor for Limbour, spoke with various media outlets noting that she was asked to join the committee but declined. She stated that the executive committee must present a united front on decisions they’ve made, and she felt she wouldn’t be able to freely express her opinion if she was a member of the committee. 

When asked in a press conference for her response to Bélisle’s comments, Marquis-Bissonnette stated, “I don't want to go into the details of the discussions I had with the elected representatives, especially because the discussions are ongoing for many things. It is certain that the Executive Committee is the body that recommends the budget and all financial decisions. So, it is certain that it must be a space for free discussion and frank ideas, but also to make recommendations to the City Council.”   

The mayor noted that she is very happy with the committee they’ve assembled. Noting that there are representatives from both the east and west areas of the city and that each member brings significant experience to the table. Murray presided over the Comité Consultatif d’Urbanisme (CCU) and has worked with various promoters. Moran has an extensive knowledge of public finances, while Craig-St-Louis has urban planning experience and has presided over the transportation commission. The mayor noted that Corbo is new to the municipal council but brings knowledge about community organizations and project management. 

“I am satisfied with my decision,” concluded Marquis-Bissonette.