Quebec announces new psychological assistance for municipal representatives
Quebec Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest says she is not ruling out punitive measures against people who attack elected officials.
This comes as she announced the introduction of a psychological assistance program for elected officials and their families.
At the same time, Laforest hinted that there could be some forthcoming legislative measures.
At a press conference Wednesday in Rivière-du-Loup in Bas-Saint-Laurent, the minister said she would not rule out punitive measures against those who behave unacceptably towards councillors and mayors.
Rimouski Mayor Guy Caron, who has faced aggressive protesters in the past, welcomed the announcement.
He points out that he cannot currently prohibit citizens from attending council meetings unless they go to court.
"We're hoping for legislative measures," he told The Canadian Press.
Psychological assistance
Laforest says Quebec will give more than $2 million to the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) and the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM) for aid, including a telephone help service linked to a psychologist.
"In the current difficult and sometimes hostile context in which elected officials carry out their duties, the UMQ is taking action and implementing measures to provide essential support to those who serve our communities," said Granby Mayor and UMQ treasurer Julie Bourdon. "As we all know, to take care of our world, we must also be able to take care of ourselves."
Laforest adds that in the first few months after being elected, officials will be given mandatory training "to equip them properly."
"Municipal elected officials, unlike city employees, have no access to this kind of service, so we had to act quickly," she said.
Resignations and difficulties
The announcement comes just days after the shocking resignation of Gatineau mayor France Bélisle, who received a wave of support and encouragement from mayors of other cities.
When announcing her resignation, Bélisle invited the Quebec government to reflect "on this exodus of municipal elected officials."
"I think we all need to be concerned about a public service that has fallen out of favour," she said.
Previously, former Chapais mayor Isabelle Lessard, who faced intense forest fires in her region, threw in the towel last November.
In October, Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin announced her temporary removal for health reasons on the advice of her doctor.
In early February, she also spoke of tensions at city council and undermining by the opposition.
In January 2023, Trois-Rivières Mayor Jean Lamarche also took a break for a few weeks due to an "unhealthy working climate" at city hall.
He said he even considered resigning.
In total, 741 of 8,000 elected municipal officials have left office since 2021.
In an open letter, Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier called for a change in "political culture."
Targeted by aggressive comments on social media, Fournier was placed under police protection last September.
She argues that elected officials should set an example as "it is not normal to see the toxic climate of intimidation that can reign in city halls... and in our parliaments."
Calls for parliamentary commission
On Friday, the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) called for a parliamentary commission to examine the issue of threats and incivility directed at elected officials, particularly in municipalities.
Laforest declined to comment Friday on whether a parliamentary commission would be set up to study the issue.
However, at the time of Bélisle's resignation, she maintained that the government "is doing its part to support elected officials in their duties."
On the X network, formerly known as Twitter, she added, "it's important that certain changes take place from within councils, with a sincere desire and for the benefit of citizens."
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Feb. 28, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.
NASA says no return date yet for astronauts and Boeing capsule at space station
Already more than a month late getting back, two NASA astronauts will remain at the International Space Station until engineers finish working on problems plaguing their Boeing capsule, officials said Thursday.
French sprinter will wear a cap during Olympic opening ceremony after hijab dispute is resolved
French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla will be allowed to participate in the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics wearing a cap to cover her hair, an agreement reached with the French Olympic Committee after Sylla said she was barred because of her hijab.