Gatineau Mayoral Candidates Support Local Doctors

Bassyonni

ago 7 hours

As the race for the Gatineau mayoralty unfolds, candidates Mario Aubé and incumbent mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette are vying for public support amid concerning developments in local healthcare.

Gatineau Mayoral Candidates Support Local Doctors

Both Aubé and Marquis-Bissonnette have publicly advocated for local healthcare professionals, particularly as the region faces a critical shortage. This year, Gatineau has lost three key doctors, raising alarms about medical service sustainability.

Healthcare System Concerns

The loss of Dr. Trevor Hennessey, head of anesthesiology, Dr. Lionel Ange Poungui, head of obstetrics and gynecology, and Dr. Éric Bégin, head of surgery, points to an underlying issue of chronic underfunding. Marquis-Bissonnette expressed deep concern, noting, “There are many doctors who were offered jobs elsewhere.” She emphasized the impact this has on residents, especially given the proximity to Ontario, which can attract healthcare talent away from Gatineau.

Aubé has also shown support for the medical community, engaging with Dr. Guillaume Charbonneau, president of the Western Quebec General Practitioners’ Association. Their aim is to address funding concerns affecting local doctors.

Election Developments and Voter Participation

As the election progresses, the competition between the candidates is intensifying. Initial reports indicated that Aubé had led by a margin of ten points. However, by late evening, the lead had narrowed to just three percentage points. The late-night tally was complicated by technical issues that delayed results.

Approximately 35% voter turnout was reported in the previous municipal election.
Only 14% of Gatineau residents participated in the early voting.
204,264 individuals were registered to vote in the current election.
Gatineau has a population of over 291,000 residents.

Voter turnout issues stemmed from technical difficulties that disrupted the voting processes across various polling locations, prompting election officials to extend voting hours. After resolving the problems, the electoral process appeared to stabilize.

Candidates and Their Platforms

Three candidates are currently in the race:

Maude Marquis-Bissonnette (Action Gatineau): The incumbent seeks re-election after serving for less than 18 months, having garnered over 41% of the vote in the prior election.
Mario Aubé (Équipe Mario Aubé): A former city councillor aiming to unseat Marquis-Bissonnette, he emphasizes a fresh approach to local government.
Rémi Bergeron (Independent): Attempting his fourth election bid after achieving only 0.75% in the last election, he aims to tackle issues like homelessness and housing accessibility.

This election season in Gatineau not only highlights the candidates’ differing visions for the city but also underscores the urgent need for solutions in healthcare facilities to ensure the community remains well-served.