A conflict over an alcohol expense by a library volunteer in Ste-Pétronille, Que., has grown into a political crisis that has resulted in the resignation of three members of the town council. The departure of the councillors has led to cheers from residents, leaving only four remaining council members. The mayor, Jean Côté, did not specify the reasons for the resignations but acknowledged the challenges of being a municipal elected official. The tensions in the village began last summer when the council refused to reimburse a library volunteer for alcohol purchased at an event, sparking reprisals from former volunteers.
The conflict escalated as residents began to scrutinize the town’s manager, Nathalie Paquet, and her departure from a previous job in another municipality. A petition was launched in December demanding an investigation into her hiring, which resulted in legal notices being sent to at least 97 residents and a local newspaper for infringing on Paquet’s private life and reputation. This sparked public outcry, leading to a call for an examination by Quebec’s Municipal Affairs Department. Another petition was circulated in March, calling for elected officials to adopt appropriate attitudes towards citizens and ensure a proper use of public funds.
The second petition received 512 signatures and was presented to the town council by François Martin, who expressed disappointment with the council’s response to their demands. Both Martin and Mayor Côté characterized the situation in the village as worrying. Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest also expressed concerns over the resignation of the councillors, stating that elected officials must be able to carry out their mandate in a healthy climate. Mayor Côté noted that the resignations are part of a larger trend of municipal officials leaving their posts due to challenging work conditions.
The departure of the councillors in Ste-Pétronille is just one example of a growing wave of resignations by municipal officials in Quebec. More than 700 local politicians have left their positions since the last municipal election in 2021, highlighting the challenges faced by elected officials in the province. An investigation by Quebec’s municipal commission into the hiring of Nathalie Paquet is ongoing, further complicating the situation in the small village. The political crisis has upended the governance of Ste-Pétronille and led to divisions between residents and elected officials.
Overall, the conflict in Ste-Pétronille highlights the challenges faced by small municipalities in Quebec and the impact of political disagreements on community governance. The resignations of three town councillors have left a significant gap in the council, leading to concerns about the stability and effectiveness of local government. The ongoing investigations and petitions demonstrate the deep-seated issues that have divided the village and caused tensions to boil over. It remains to be seen how the municipality will address these challenges and work towards rebuilding trust and unity among residents and elected officials in Ste-Pétronille.
