Gatineau mayor resigns, citing 'hostile' political climate
France Bélisle is stepping down as mayor of Gatineau, Que., citing a "hostile" climate in municipal politics.
Bélisle announced her resignation, effective immediately, during a media conference at Gatineau City Hall Thursday morning.
Speaking at an emotional press conference, Bélisle said she decided to resign to preserve her health and integrity, two-and-a-half years after being elected mayor of the western Quebec city. The mayor said she has received death threats and intimidation from the public and other politicians.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Bélisle was elected as an independent mayor in November 2021, receiving 43 per cent of the vote. The victory ended eight years of governing by the Action Gatineau Party.
"I am aware that this news is a shock, and that it will create an area of turbulence," Bélisle said in French at the press conference.
"This decision is mine. It is the result of long reflection and a personal journey. However, I recognize that this decision may disappoint people.
"I am satisfied with the work that I was able to accomplish, above all, know that I always did it to the best of my ability."
Coun. Daniel Champagne will take over as interim mayor of Gatineau.
The Union of Quebec Municipalities says since the last municipal election in Quebec, nearly 800 municipal officials have left office across the province.
"That's never been seen in this province," she said.
"Municipal politics is being deserted by more and more elected officials, who are leaving their positions in record numbers," she said.
Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand said on social media that, "losing a friend, an ally and mayor who left no one indifferent is not easy. France, we will miss you. Quebec loses a great mayor."
Quebec Premier Francois Legault said on X, "I want to thank France Bélisle for her years of service as mayor of Gatineau. I wish her the best for the future."
Gatineau MP and Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon issued a statement on social media.
"The Gatinoises and the Gatinois will always remember your dedication and pride in serving them. Your leadership and commitment made a real difference," MacKinnon said.
"Political life is tough and sometimes unfair. With your boldness and determination, you broke through a glass ceiling and showed that anything is possible. Thank you for everything and, above all, for your friendship."
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said, "I'm very sorry to hear of the resignation of France Belisle as mayor of Gatineau."
"France has been a great partner and I will miss working with her on building a stronger economy for our entire region. I wish France the best in the future."
A statement to social media by Action Gatineau thanked Belisle for her service to Gatineau.
"We offer our full collaboration to Mr. Champagne who will take over at the town hall for the future," Action Gatineau said that.
"We will continue our work on council with the same objective of ensuring the best interests of all citizens."
The City of Gatineau says details on a future by-election will be communicated to residents in the coming weeks.
"Although Ms. Bélisle's departure brings changes to the municipal council, all teams remain committed to maintaining stability and serving the population," the City of Gatineau said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.