CBC News Projects Bruno Marchand Re-elected as Quebec City Mayor
Bruno Marchand has been re-elected as the mayor of Quebec City, according to projections from El-Balad. He represents the party Québec Forte et Fière. This election marks his second consecutive term in office.
Marchand’s Victory Speech
Marchand celebrated at the Hôtel Château Laurier, expressing gratitude to voters. He thanked the many volunteers who contributed to his campaign. “The confidence you’re bestowing unto me — it’s rare, it’s precious,” Marchand stated.
Past Elections and Key Issues
In the previous election held in 2021, Marchand won by a narrow margin of just 739 votes against candidate Marie-Josée Savard. His victory was notable as he was relatively new to municipal politics at that time.
A recent poll indicated that significant concerns among voters included housing, homelessness, and transportation ahead of the election. Marchand has consistently focused on transit issues throughout his first term. A significant achievement during this period was the agreement for the construction of the Quebec City tramway.
The Tramway Project
The tramway initiative originated in 2018 under former mayor Régis Labeaume’s administration. The project aims to significantly reduce road congestion by taking up to 12,500 cars off the road daily. However, some candidates, including Sam Hamad and Stéphane Lachance, opposed this plan in favor of alternative transit solutions.
Other Municipal Elections
- Sherbrooke: Marie-Claude Bibeau has been elected mayor. A former Liberal MP, Bibeau brings substantial political experience, having served three terms in office.
- Lévis: Steven Blaney has been elected mayor. Previously an MP from 2006 to 2021, he replaces longtime mayor Gilles Lehouillier, who chose not to seek re-election. Key issues in Lévis focused on public finances and urban development.
The municipal elections across Quebec showcased a shift in leadership and a focus on pressing urban issues, as newly elected mayors strive to address the needs of their communities.
