November 5 city election: Mayor’s race

Clément Bélanger to end council’s in-fighting

Until stepping down to run in the municipal election, Clément Bélanger has been working as Chief of Staff for Public Services and Procurement Canada. With a platform of bringing council together rather than offering residents the divided council of the most recent mandate, Bélanger tells the Bulletin his professional career has accented bringing decision-makers together. “I have experience being a unifier to find win-win situations to important relationships, and this is what I bring to council,” he explained.

Mr Bélanger is focused on leading Gatineau with a unified big city vision, rather than looking at the various questions and priorities independently. “I am bringing my vision for Gatineau forward rather than consult, consult, consult and try to adapt every decision to everyone’s wishes. I’m bringing my own approach; it works,” said Bélanger. “Council (now) is dominated by infighting; this why nothing moved at council. If any of the current councillors or mayor win the mayoral election, residents can expect another mandate of infighting – council will remain divided.

Political parties “create partisanship”

Prior to the formation of Action Gatineau, Mr Bélanger noted that a group of city-wide leaders with common goals to improve the city were working together, and that he supported their collaboration.

“But when the actual municipal party was formed, Mr Pedneaud-Jobin was able to succeed in doing what he promised, that is, to do politics differently. He has brought partisanship to the municipal level, to the detriment of big city projects that Gatineau needs,” Bélanger told the Bulletin. “However, if the political party wins a majority this time around, I believe there is no choice but to form an opposition party for council. How else can the financial benefits awarded to the (single) party be counter-balanced?”

A father of three who is founder of Hull’s scouts and involved with the Notre Dame de L’Isle parish, Clément Bélanger lives in Hull where he is a volunteer with the Amis du Ruisseau de la Brasserie.

Contact: votezclement@gmail.com, 819-923-CLEM (2536)