#JeSuis79Fraser

Mike Duggan goes public: threatened by Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

Lucerne Councillor Mike Duggan has transformed an international slogan into a local one. On January 17, the councillor tweeted #JeSuis79Fraser in reference to limitations he says he suffered regarding freedom of speech as a major municipal council battle unfolded. Mr Duggan said Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin imposed restrictions on the councillor’s ability to speak freely.

“The parallel I’m making is that he defended freedom of speech and expression after the Charlie Hebdo shootings, but he discouraged it during the 79 Fraser Road saga,” said Mr Duggan. “Can’t we all see the irony?” Mr Duggan said his freedom of speech was restricted following an August 21 meeting with the mayor. “We had discussions and he commented that I should be very careful what I said. He said to take this as a threat because it was one. He added that he would take measures if he needed to and said he was placing documents about me in a folder and the moment he felt I crossed the line, he would take action,” Councillor Duggan told the Bulletin.

Vehemently opposed to the controversial 79 Fraser Road minor variance, Mr Duggan was vociferous during the summer as the issue made headlines. “I was angry at some things which unfolded during an in-camera meeting in June,” said Councillor Duggan. “The term I used back then was ‘steamrolled’.” 

The Bulletin contacted the mayor’s press secretary for an interview, but the mayor did not return the Bulletin’s calls. The press secretary stated the comparisons between 79 Fraser and Charlie Hebdo were unfounded. He also said Councillor Duggan’s comments were inappropriate. The Bulletin’s request to see the secret folder concerning the councillor was unanswered.