Marquis-Bissonnette on community and continuity

Tashi Farmilo

As the municipal election draws near, incumbent mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette is seeking a renewed mandate, offering voters a vision shaped by experience, teamwork, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people of Gatineau. In a series of personal reflections, she shared how past challenges, community moments, and campaign experiences have influenced her leadership approach.

When asked what life lesson guides her through difficult decisions, Marquis-Bissonnette pointed to the importance of facts and starting with the fundamentals. “Facts matter,” she said. “Maybe it’s a professional reflex, but when I’m faced with a difficult decision, I start at the beginning of the issue. What is the need, what is the challenge on the ground? What are we trying to improve?” For her, effective leadership involves rigour and clarity. “Then I look at the facts to determine the best solution. That’s the best way forward in my view. We need that kind of rigour when making decisions that affect so many people and when managing public funds.”

When asked to name one place she would take a visitor to show what she loves most about Gatineau, Marquis-Bissonnette highlighted the city’s vibrant mix of natural beauty and community life. She mentioned the Aylmer Marina and rue Principale for their postcard-worthy charm, as well as the sunset views along Jacques-Cartier Street and performances at the Maison de la culture. But one place stood out above the rest. “The best reason to love our city is the people,” she said. “So, if I had to pick just one place to bring visitors, I’d take them to one of our many community-run events — like at Aydelu, Braves-du-Coin, or on rue Notre-Dame. That’s where the real heart of the city is.”

Reflecting on a moment that led to transformation, Marquis-Bissonnette pointed to the 2017 and 2019 floods. “I was a city councillor at the time, so I already felt a sense of responsibility to be involved in my community, but the floods were a turning point for me,” she said. “I saw firsthand the human impact of climate change.” She described the emotional toll on residents and how it sharpened her belief that municipalities must take action. “It’s our neighbours and our friends who are affected when the water rises and floods their street or when a tornado hits their home. We owe it to our communities to reduce the impacts of climate change and protect them.”

Asked what she has discovered about herself during the current campaign, Marquis-Bissonnette pointed to the strength of collective effort. “That I’m well supported,” she said. “As the saying goes: alone you go faster, together you go further.” She credited her team as well as the community organizations and partners who bring forward ideas and solutions. “The vision of a city that leaves no one behind, and all of our ideas, are also theirs.”

When asked what emotion she hopes people associate with her as mayor, Marquis-Bissonnette chose “compassion.” She noted that many residents are facing serious challenges and that her leadership approach is rooted in inclusion and long-term solutions. “It would be easy to make decisions just to please certain groups. But I want to be everyone’s mayor — the mayor of a city that leaves no one behind.”

She described that approach as a commitment to listening, building understanding, and acting responsibly. “That means reaching out, taking the time to sit down with everyone, understanding the root of problems, and putting sustainable solutions in place. It’s the approach I’ve had since 2024, and it’s what allowed city council to resolve so many files instead of getting stuck in arguments. It’s the approach I will always stand by.”