Maude Marquis-Bissonnette Wins Second Term as Gatineau Mayor After Tight Race
In Gatineau, it’s official—Maude Marquis-Bissonnette has been re-elected as mayor after a tense and unpredictable election night that stretched well into the late hours of Sunday. The incumbent, representing the Action Gatineau party, narrowly defeated her main challenger, Mario Aubé, in a race that showcased both political division and resilience across the city.
Marquis-Bissonnette secured her second term with 51.14% of the vote , edging out Aubé, who finished close behind with 47% . Independent candidate Rémi Bergeron trailed far behind with just under 2% . The victory gives Marquis-Bissonnette and her Action Gatineau team a strong footing in city hall, with 11 of their candidates winning council seats—enough to maintain a majority.
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As she took the stage just before midnight, Marquis-Bissonnette delivered a heartfelt speech to a cheering crowd. “I want to be the mayor of everyone,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to unity in a city that’s seen its share of division. She acknowledged the challenges ahead and promised to “build compromises” and “seek consensus” as Gatineau’s council finds itself politically split—Action Gatineau dominating in the west, while Aubé’s newly formed Équipe Mario Aubé gained ground in the east.
The night didn’t go off without hitches. Technical issues plagued the city’s voting system, delaying results and even extending the voting hours by half an hour. Polls were supposed to close at 8 p.m., but due to system malfunctions in several voting stations, doors stayed open until 8:30 p.m. The city later confirmed that the integrity of the voting process was never compromised, though many voters had to wait—or return later—to cast their ballots.
Despite his narrow defeat, Mario Aubé, a former city councillor running his first mayoral campaign, conceded graciously. “The citizens voted for continuity, and that choice must be respected,” he said, commending Marquis-Bissonnette’s victory and pledging collaboration moving forward. His party still managed to elect seven candidates , an impressive showing for a first-time political group in a city long dominated by a single faction.
The voter turnout stood at 41.18% , a noticeable increase from 2021’s 35% , showing renewed civic engagement among Gatineau’s 204,000 registered voters.
Beyond the political theater, the campaign highlighted key local issues—homelessness, housing affordability, taxation, and the future of the west-end tramway project. Both leading candidates also united in support of local healthcare workers protesting staffing shortages, underlining that leadership in Gatineau remains deeply tied to community concerns.
In the end, Gatineau chose stability over change. Marquis-Bissonnette’s return to office signals confidence in her leadership but also sets the stage for a city council that will need cooperation and balance more than ever.
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