Mario Aubé on his vision for Gatineau

Tashi Farmilo

As the municipal election approaches, mayoral candidate Mario Aubé is sharing a perspective on leadership shaped by personal values, calm determination, and a deep appreciation for the people of Gatineau. Through thoughtful reflections on life, change, and community, he outlines an approach that emphasises integrity and genuine connection.

When asked what life lesson guides him through difficult decisions, Aubé replied that he always returns to the same principle. “You never go wrong when you act according to your values,” he said. “The pressures, the opinions, the political calculations can be strong, but integrity always pays off in the end.” For him, leadership is not about convenience or popularity but about consistency. “I believe real leadership is staying true to your principles, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s a lesson life has taught me repeatedly.”

When asked where he would take a visitor to help them understand what he loves most about Gatineau, Aubé described a moment that captures the city’s warmth and character. “I would show them the Aylmer Marina at sunset,” he said. “Then we’d walk along rue Principale to have a drink and chat with the shopkeepers and residents.” For Aubé, Gatineau’s spirit is best revealed in these everyday encounters. “It’s in these simple moments that you understand why I love Gatineau: for its people, its beauty, its authenticity. A welcoming city and a deeply human one, like the people who live here.”

Reflecting on a moment that made him aware of change within himself, Aubé spoke about what he learned through face-to-face conversations in neighbourhoods and commercial areas. “It’s when I spent time in the community, speaking with residents and merchants, that I realised how disconnected people feel from municipal decisions,” he said. That realisation became a turning point. “I realised that the change Gatineau needs must start with how we listen, how we decide, and how we act. That’s what convinced me we need a new approach, a city that is closer, more attentive, and that respects its residents.”

The campaign has also been a lesson in self-discovery. “This campaign has made me realise how allergic I am to backroom games and small political schemes,” Aubé said. “I’ve always believed politics could be done differently, with integrity, respect, and honesty, and this experience confirms it even more.” He said that seeing people distort words or manipulate opinion has only strengthened his conviction. “It strengthens my belief that we must do things cleanly, honestly, and while staying true to ourselves.”

When asked what emotion he hopes people will associate with him as mayor, Aubé’s response was brief but telling: “Trust and calm. I’m someone who is calm, thoughtful, and deeply committed to doing things the right way.”