Quebec launches new helpline for politicians after hundreds quit office since 2021

Quebec Premier Francois Legault, left, and Federation Quebecois des Municipalites president Jacques Demers walk in at the FQM annual meeting, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 in Quebec City. (Jacques Boissinot, The Canadian Press)

Quebec is committing $2 million to connect politicians and their families with psychological aid after a wave of resignations and leaves of absence among elected municipal officials.

A new telephone helpline is available starting today for politicians in need of assistance, after almost 10 per cent have quit since the 2021 municipal elections.

Quebec says the helpline is part of a multi-year plan to improve working conditions for local leaders, but today's announcement comes just one week after the abrupt resignation of the mayor of Gatineau.

France Belisle cited a hostile work environment, including death threats from members of the public, in her decision to step down from the post.

Minister of Municipal Affairs Andree Laforest says a growing number of elected officials are quitting because of intimidation and harassment -- at least 741 of 8,000 local politicians have quit since 2021.

The provincial government also plans to create a mandatory online course for newly elected leaders to better equip them to handle some of the stressors of their roles.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2024.