The message of many elected officials from Quebec was listened to, but unfortunately it was not heard. It is with disappointment that we, members of the Faut que ça change coalition, react to the adoption of Law 57 enacting the Act to protect municipal elected officials and to promote the unhindered exercise of their functions and modifying various provisions legislative measures concerning the municipal domain, a law which does not sufficiently tackle the unhealthy climate in our local democracies.
An unprecedented number of more than 800 elected officials have resigned since the 2021 elections. Hundreds of elected officials have spoken out to denounce a difficult work climate within municipal councils. Survey after survey, from different authorities, the issues are clearly identified.
In the most recent survey unveiled in May during the meetings of the Union of Municipalities of Quebec, where Minister Laforest was present, it was revealed that 19% of the 1,380 respondents affirm that the climate is toxic within the municipal council; this is a higher percentage than those who identify citizens as the main source of tensions. Furthermore, the Municipal Integrity Investigations and Prosecutions Department of the Quebec Municipal Commission recorded 2,058 complaints, representing an increase of 53%. Unfortunately, the bill is seeing the light of day without mechanisms or tools specific enough to address these problems.
The Faut que ça change coalition agreed to participate in the parliamentary commission at the beginning of May in the hope of making you aware of the elements of municipal governance which contribute to the deterioration of the climate even within municipal councils. We submitted a brief and certain members went to Quebec with the desire to contribute to your reflection with the aim of curbing the exodus of municipal elected officials.
In 30 minutes, we shared concrete examples to illustrate the systemic problems we face, clearly demonstrating the problems of incivility and governance. We presented the implementation of tools promoting a healthy democracy anchored in a professional and civic work climate.
By proposing seven tangible measures, seven positive proposals, seven concrete and applicable solutions, we hoped that the bill would result in taking into account the concerns of elected officials working in more than difficult climates within their municipal council. It is clear that the law, as adopted, still leaves elected officials confronted with unhealthy climates, without clear mechanisms aimed at preventing and combating problematic behavior.
Our testimonies were listened to, but the essence of our message does not seem to have been grasped. We do not seek to hinder necessary reforms. On the contrary, we want to be active partners in developing solutions that truly meet the needs of municipal elected officials.
Over the past few months, we have witnessed announcements and reactions expressing Minister Laforest’s concern and sorrow over the numerous resignations. At the point where a psychological support line was deployed, meetings and surveys of the regional directorates of his ministry across the province were required.
So why adopt the bill now, when the regional directorates of the ministry are currently meeting with elected officials across Quebec and the polls are still underway? Why not wait to receive the analyzes from these regional directorates?
Can we expect a second phase of revision to the bill during the fall parliamentary session? Will Minister Laforest agree to review Bill 57 next fall? This is a period where we anticipate that several other elected officials will choose to jump ship, having waited for the deadline so as not to trigger by-elections in their municipality.
Local elected officials are not obstacles to reforms, they are the main actors. We are ready to work together to co-construct a legislative framework that will meet the challenges presented. Together, we can create a healthier, more efficient work environment for the benefit of our communities.
*The coalition Must change: Valérie Léveillé (municipal councilor, Municipality of Chertsey); Darling Tremblay (municipal councilor, Municipalité La Minerve); Jasmine Sharma (municipal councilor, City of Vaudreuil-Dorion); Pascale Alberhne-Lahaie (municipal councilor, City of Trois-Rivières); Jacynthe Prince (municipal councilor, City of Sainte-Thérèse); Alicia Despins (municipal councilor, Quebec City); Isabel Mattioli (municipal councilor, City of Saint-Eustache); Sylvain Pillenière (municipal councilor, Municipality of Lotbinière).
And several members who support its mission and its actions: Jérémy Laplante (municipal councilor, City of Paspébiac); Pierre-Luc Fortin (municipal councilor, City of Trois-Rivières); Nathalie Lasalle (municipal councilor, City of Saint-Jérôme); Christine Gingras (municipal councilor, Town of Plessisville); Christina Pinard (municipal councilor, Municipality of Beaulac-Garthby); Bruno Plourde (municipal councilor, Municipality of Saint-Hippolyte); Véronique Dallaire (municipal councilor, Quebec City); Annie Godbout (municipal councilor, City of Sherbrooke); Diane Morin (municipal councilor, City of Vaudreuil-Dorion); Alexandre Fallu (municipal councilor, City of Lévis); Jessie Moore-Tremblay (municipal councilor, City of Lévis); Serge Bonin (head of Repensons Lévis and municipal councilor, City of Lévis); Dany Carpentier (municipal councilor, City of Trois-Rivières); Sonia Tremblay (municipal councilor, Municipality of Saint-Hippolyte); Jessica R. Lehoux (municipal councilor, City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu); Geneviève Dubuc (former municipal councilor, City of Saint-Sauveur); Stéphane Ricard (former municipal councilor, Municipality of Yamachiche); Audrey Dépault (former municipal councilor, Municipality of Terrasse-Vaudreuil); Joan Westland Eby (president of Les PEPINES and former mayor of the Municipality of Bolton-Est); Pierre Lafond (former municipal councilor, Municipality of Sainte-Adèle); Samuel Lévesque (former candidate for municipal elections, City of Saint-Eustache); François Racine (citizen, Saint-Hippolyte); Ulrich Mattioli (citizen, Val-d’Or); Sharyn Simpson (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Réjean Mainville (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Stephane Pilon (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Julie Montgomery (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Gina Parenteau (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Éric Vaudry (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Sandrine Bouyaux (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Shoshanna Cohen (citizen, Saint-Eustache); Philippe Fraysse (citizen, Saint-Jérôme); Denis Thibault (citizen, Baie-Saint-Paul); Julien Rousseau (citizen, Laval).