Did you know that municipal elections will be held on November 2 in all municipalities across Quebec? Now is the time to contribute to your community by running for councilor or mayor.
The current elected officials have been in office for four years now in municipalities across Quebec. It’s time to take stock! It’s time to see what has been done for the common good. Citizens will be called upon to vote. Are you satisfied with the progress your community has made under your elected officials?
Now is also the time to consider getting involved in municipal politics. Sometimes, it’s a first step toward provincial and even national politics. Who knows? Check out this article to help you prepare your candidacy.
In fact, in the municipality of North Hatley, we lost two of our six councilors during the current term. There was no by-election because the position must be vacant 12 months before the end of the term. Our two councilors, David Wilson and Carole Haller, therefore did not need to be replaced.
If you are thinking of running for municipal office, now is the time to start preparing. There are many tools available to help you. Above all, there is no age limit. Anyone aged 18 or over can run for office. In fact, young people are essential for bringing a different perspective that older people struggle to understand. And I speak from experience!
What types of elected officials make up a good city council?
To ensure diversity within a city council in a Quebec municipality, it is important to reflect the demographic, social, cultural, and economic composition of the local population. There is no single formula, but here are some guiding principles to promote inclusive representation:
Gender equality
- Aim for equitable gender representation (at least 40-60% on each side).
- Encourager la participation de personnes non binaires ou issues de la diversité de genre.
Age diversity
To reflect the concerns of different age groups:
- 18-30 years old: Young adults, often underrepresented, but concerned with issues related to the environment, housing, employment, etc.
- 31-50 years old: Generally professionally active and often involved in family or community life.
- 51-70 years old: Life experience, often available for political office, concerned about quality of life, health services, etc.
- 70 years and older: Less involved in politics, but can bring an intergenerational perspective and valuable wisdom.
Ethnocultural diversity
- Include people from immigrant backgrounds or visible minorities, especially in cities where these communities represent a significant portion of the population.
Diversity in abilities
- Ensure the representation of people living with disabilities, whether visible or invisible.
Linguistic and cultural diversity
- Include members of English-speaking, Indigenous, or other linguistic minority communities.
Sexual and gender diversity
- Represent LGBTQ+ individuals, whose voices are often marginalized in municipal politics.
Diversité socioéconomique
- Include people from different economic backgrounds (workers, professionals, retirees, students, etc.), not just elites or entrepreneurs.
Exemple concret d’un conseil de ville diversifié (7 membres, incluant le ou la maire) :
| Age | Gender | Origin | Other features |
| 28 | Woman | Quebecer | Social worker, LGBTQ+ |
| 35 | Man | Haitian | Entrepreneur, father |
| 42 | Non-binary | Indigen | Community artist |
| 50 | Woman | French immigrant | Teacher |
| 57 | Man | Quebecer | Former union worker |
| 63 | Woman | Moroccan | Retired nurse |
| 72 | Man | Quebecer | Former civil servant, reduced mobility |
Conclusion
A diverse city council is not just a matter of “ticking boxes.” It is an essential condition for inclusive municipal decisions that take into account the needs of all citizens, not just a visible or dominant majority.
With that said, it is important to remember that municipal elections will be held on November 2 in your municipality. It is important to know the candidates running for office so that you can make an informed decision when you vote. Of course, some incumbents will be running for re-election. This is the time to evaluate your satisfaction with them. Ultimately, the most important thing is to vote. Although many people neglect municipal elections, I believe they are the most important elections because they directly impact your daily life.
