Divide between Action Gatineau and independents overblown, said new mayor

Taylor Clark

While municipal council may now be split by 10 political party members and 10 independents, Gatineau’s new mayor and Action Gatineau head Maude Marquis-Bissonnette said elected officials were ready to move forward in harmony.

“It is certain that among elected people, there can always be differences of vision and differences in values, but I think the divide between Action Gatineau and the independents is exaggerated,” said Marquis-Bissonnette. “The daily reality is that Action Gatineau elected officials work with independent elected officials on a daily basis to move issues forward. We have to be a little careful about this divide.”

Marquis-Bissonnette was sworn in on June 18, alongside new Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district councillor Catherine Craig-St-Louis, who is also a member of Gatineau’s sole political party.

Although the new mayor could not speak of what went on at the council table prior to her taking office, Marquis-Bissonnette said the transition to the City’s leading position was smooth.

“On my arrival, I announced that I intended to work with the entire City council to be everyone’s mayor. It was my first commitment as mayor to listen because it allows us to better understand the motivations of the people we work with, and then we are able to bring our ideas further.”

When it came to formal meetings, Marquis-Bissonnette said the tone has been collaborative and open, which made her optimistic about council’s future work.

“That doesn’t mean we’ll always agree on everything. But in the way we approach the files, I think we can do it with respect and listening. And really, that’s how it’s happening right now.”

Municipal council president and independent councillor Steven Boivin said political parties were a form of transparency that strengthened council.

“I think that political parties are people who take responsibility and come together around ideas, and this is what they present to citizens and citizens have the choice to choose them or not,” said Boivin. “When it comes to chairing council meetings, with or without political parties, for me, there is no issue.”

It was with other independents that Boivin questioned allegiance. “The perception we have at the moment is that independents have this freedom to choose, but in reality, there are groups of independents.”

Without presenting themselves under a party, Boivin said these groups share values and work together come voting time.

“I sign each of the resolutions and there are more independents who vote together than sometimes the political party members vote together.”

While Boivin said he was not against political parties, he did wish there was more than one active political party.

Just having one doesn’t allow people to choose which one they want. I would like there to be several political parties around the table, with a diversity of ideas.”

Photo caption: Gatineau’s new mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette says things have been smooth sailing since being sworn in on June 18.

Photo credit: Maude Marquis-Bissonnette Facebook Page