The Minister of Municipal Affairs, Geneviève Guilbault, has reached out to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for guidance on setting eligibility standards for candidates in local elections.
Guilbault took this step following reports from Quebecor media that a man linked to the Hells Angels is running for a municipal council seat in the Eastern Townships.
In her communication, the Minister urged the Chief Electoral Officer, Jean-François Blanchet, to strike a balance between upholding “fundamental rights,” ensuring a healthy pool of candidates, and safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.
She expressed interest in Blanchet’s insights and recommendations, particularly in terms of best practices from other jurisdictions.
While emphasizing that democracy is vital for social and political unity, Guilbault voiced concerns about the moral integrity of individuals seeking public office.
She pointed out limitations in the current legislation, the Act Respecting Elections and Referendums in Municipalities, in addressing situations like the one reported in the Eastern Townships.
Looking ahead, Guilbault urged cooperation in reviewing the eligibility criteria for municipal office with Blanchet.
Presently, the requirements for candidacy include Canadian citizenship, being at least 18 years old, and having no history of electoral misconduct.
The recent revelation about Sylvain Vallée, a member of the Sherbrooke Gypsies associated with the Hells Angels, running for a council seat in Cookshire-Eaton, close to Sherbrooke, sparked discussions in the National Assembly.
Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière expressed his concern, labeling organized crime as “arrogant” and stating that biker groups are causing harm to society.
