Bruno Marchand secures his second term as mayor of Quebec City after winning re-election with his party Québec Forte et Fière. Celebrating his victory at the Hôtel Château Laurier, Marchand expressed gratitude to the voters for their trust and support, emphasizing the significance of the outcome. He credited the dedication of thousands of volunteers who contributed to his campaign.
The election witnessed a turnout slightly surpassing 50 percent, with Marchand capturing 49 percent of the votes. In an interview with CBC News, he acknowledged the higher than expected voter turnout as a clear indication of residents’ desire to progress. Stéphane Lachance emerged as the main opposition with 23 percent of the vote, while Sam Hamad trailed with 13 percent.
The defeat of parties like Québec d’abord and Transition Québec led to significant changes in the city council, with former opposition leaders Claude Villeneuve and Jackie Smith losing their seats. Marchand’s victory this year exhibited a more decisive win compared to his previous election in 2021, where he won by a narrow margin.
Key concerns during the municipal election in Quebec City revolved around housing, homelessness, and transportation issues. Marchand has been a vocal advocate for transit improvements, notably championing the construction of the Quebec City tramway. This project, initiated under a previous administration, aimed to alleviate traffic congestion by diverting thousands of cars daily.
In other election news, Marie-Claude Bibeau clinched the mayoral position in Sherbrooke, leveraging her political experience as a former Liberal MP and federal minister. Her victory was met with pride and honor, highlighting her connections to the local community. Meanwhile, Steven Blaney, another former federal MP, secured the mayoral seat in Lévis, succeeding outgoing mayor Gilles Lehouillier. Blaney’s emotional acceptance speech emphasized his commitment to addressing public finance, urban planning, and transportation issues in the city.
The municipal elections in Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Lévis showcased a significant reshaping of leadership and priorities, reflecting the evolving political landscape in the region.