Gatineau Election: Deschênes

Candidate: Marie-Rose Dione, Équipe Mario Aubé

Marie-Rose Dione, Deschênes candidate for Équipe Mario Aubé, is a registered nurse currently working in a correctional facility in Ottawa. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa and is an entrepreneur. She founded a company that created medical uniforms for healthcare professionals. Originally from Senegal, Dione co-founded a local group that gathers clothes for Senegalese people in the region to break isolation and create community.

1. Why are you running for councillor, and what experience or qualities make you the right person for the job?

I'm running because I deeply believe in the strength of our citizens and in the future of Gatineau. Too many decisions are made without considering the realities on the ground. I want to restore public confidence by bringing rigour, transparency and, above all, listening back to the heart of municipal governance.

I am a unifying, determined, and pragmatic person. I believe that the best solutions emerge when we work with citizens, not instead of them. My strength is uniting ideas, building bridges, and transforming challenges into concrete actions. My commitment is deeply rooted in our community.

Gatineau has everything it needs to become an exemplary city again: ambitious, well-managed, and deeply human. This requires a clear vision, political courage, and truly listening to citizens.

I am committed to being an elected official who is close to the people, acting with rigour, respect, and determination. Together, let's put Gatineau back on the path of common sense, transparency and collective pride.

2. How do you plan to balance the need for housing with the pace of development, given that infrastructure has not kept up, resulting in service gaps?

Gatineau must grow, but not at any cost. I believe in smart development, aligned with the real capacity of our infrastructure and focused on quality of life.

Build more, yes, but build better: close to schools, services, and public transit. I will advocate for rigourous coordination between urban planning, transportation, and public services to ensure sustainable, equitable growth consistent with our long-term vision.

3. With increased development in the area, how will you protect the ecological corridors, such as the Champlain corridor in Aylmer?

Ecological corridors are the green lungs of our city. They protect our biodiversity, our health, and our quality of life. I am committed to rigourously defending these natural environments, enforcing regulations, and working hand in hand with citizens. Protecting these spaces doesn't mean slowing development; it guarantees a healthier, more resilient future for Gatineau.

4. With increased development in Aylmer, there is growing concern about the preservation of local heritage, especially as many historic homes are neglected, then demolished to make way for multi-unit buildings. What is your plan to protect and preserve Aylmer's heritage?

Aylmer's heritage is our collective memory. It's what gives our community its soul. I am committed to strengthening conservation rules with clear and firm criteria before any demolition. Preserving this heritage is affirming our identity, our pride, and our history.

5. Anglophones are numerous across Gatineau. How will you ensure they have equitable access to city information and services in English?

Gatineau is an open and inclusive city. I am committed to ensuring municipal services are accessible in English. Facilitating access to information in both languages ​​strengthens citizen participation, transparency, and the unity of our city.

6. Aylmer’s residents are passionate about their community. When new development projects are proposed, how will you engage with both developers and residents to address any concerns that arise?