Buckingham City Councillor Edmond Leclerc Seeks Second Term
Mélissa Gélinas
During the April 30 press briefing, Buckingham District Councillor Edmond Leclerc announced that he would be seeking a second term on Gatineau City Council.
"Last night, during my meeting with residents, I was asked the question, and I was ready to announce my decision: I would run as an independent candidate for Buckingham in the next election, after careful consideration," explained Leclerc. "I won't hide from you that the announcement of my colleague Steven Boivin’s departure forced me to reflect a little on my political future," he added.
One of his primary motivations stems from the support and trust of Buckingham residents. "I'm especially passionate about completing other projects, particularly those related to the revitalization of the area," he said.
Leclerc is also proud of the return of the music festival and the arrival of several businesses. "We're working on a commercial development policy that represents extraordinary levers for our city," he commented.
As for the borough council project that was previously launched with his colleague Steven Boivin, city councillor for the Aylmer district, it will not be possible to realize it. "I won't lie to you that I couldn't carry out a major project if I'm no longer part of a team [...]," he emphasized. "The goal was to create a political party to carry out a vision for the city. That would have greatly decentralized our administration, but especially decision-making, bringing it closer to the sectors so that Aylmer could decide for Aylmer and Buckingham could decide for Buckingham."
Although this coalition could not be completed, Edmond Leclerc asserted that he remains a defender of the sectors. "It sparked a lot of discussion and reflection," he said. "However, it takes a lot of people to create a political party. I respect Mr. Boivin's decision; I understand it, but it definitely puts an end to this project."