Équipe Mario Aubé renamed Gatineau Ensemble after founder's departure from the party

Sophie Demers 

The last few weeks have been tumultuous for the new political party previously known as Équipe Mario Aubé. The founder, Mario Aubé, announced his departure as leader of the party less than a month after the municipal election on November 2. Aubé lost the election by a thin margin with 47% of the votes compared to his opponent, Action Gatineau’s Maude Marquis-Bissonnette. 

The party was founded less than a year ago, making many voters surprised by Aubé’s sudden departure. The announcement was done by press release and Aubé is not doing any interviews on the subject. In the press release he stated, “In light of recent events, I no longer recognize myself in the party that I built with all my heart to bring about change in Gatineau.”

Other media have reported that lawyers were involved in the party’s internal affairs. There are few details available on what occurred within the party as elected officials remain tight-lipped. 

After the announcement, three other members of Équipe Mario Aubé announced their departure. Specifically, Marc Carriere, Pointe-Gatineau councillor, Michael Korhonen, Masson-Anger Councillor, and Jean Lessard, Rivière-Blanche councillor. All three are now independent, bringing the total members from Équipe Mario Aubé down from seven members to four. 

Due to these changes, the councillors regrouped to rename the party Gatineau Ensemble. The party states that the new name reflects a policy that brings people together and puts them at the centre of decision-making. The party notes that they are determined to build a more transparent and efficient city that is closer to its residents. 

Rachel Cousineau, who ran for Mitigomijokan councillor but lost to Rachel Deslauriers, has been named Leader of the party on an interim basis. She will be supported by co-director Guillaume Gaboury, who ran for Aylmer councillor and lost to Vincent Roy. Timmy Jutras, Lac-Beauchamp councillor, was named councillor-elect. Jutras announced the opposition's official cabinet made up of Martin Dalpré as Chief of Staff, Michel Déziel as Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Pilotte as Strategic Advisor, and Bob Rioux as Director of Communications.

"The creation of this cabinet marks a decisive step for our party and for the quality of the opposition work we want to offer citizens,” said Jutras. “We can now count on a highly experienced team capable of supporting our daily actions and consistently promoting Gatineau Ensemble's political vision. This milestone allows us to approach this mandate with structure, professionalism, and ambition."

According to Gatineau Ensemble, the cabinet will act as a transition team until the next leadership race. In January, new recruits will be hired to “ensure balanced representation that reflects Gatineau's diversity within the office.”