Demers chosen as new FMQ Chair
Sainte-catherine-de-hatley Mayor Jacques Demers has been elected as the new Chair of the Federation of Quebec Municipalities (FQM).
Demers, who also serves as Prefect of the Memphrémagog MRC, was chosen by the federation’s Board of Directors during its first meeting and took advantage of his first public release to present the FQM’S priorities of the for the year 2018, during which this fall’s provincial election will take centre stage.
"As major players in local and regional development, municipalities and MRCS are directly affected by choices made by the Government of Quebec,” Demers said in his initial speech. “As part of the general election, political parties will have to consider our demands and needs if they really want to develop the regions of Quebec."
Beginning in March, the new president will make a tour of all Quebec regions to consult municipalities and MRCS on the issues they would like the FQM to address during the campaign. At the end of the tour, the FQM will establish a platform of demands that it will adopt during the Assembly of the MRCS of Quebec City, in June.
"By having our platform in hand at the beginning of the summer, the competing parties will have ample time to become familiar with the needs of the regions of Quebec,” he added. ”At our Annual Congress in September, we will call on the political parties to position themselves on our platform of electoral
demands and their vision of local and regional development."
The issue of rail transportation of hazardous materials will be the subject of a national conference to be held March 23 in Lac-mégantic. The issue of municipal taxation will also be of concern to the new president.
"We are nearing the end of the tax agreement that we signed with the government, so we will be working this year to renew it.” He said. “How can it be improved so that municipalities can count on the revenue needed to fulfill the many responsibilities that come under their jurisdiction?”
In closing, Demers made a point of recognizing Richard Lehoux for his involvement with the FQM over the last sixteen years, including four as chair of the board of directors.
"These will be huge boots to fill, Demers said. “His dedication to the regions of Quebec must be an example to follow. I also want to thank the members of the board for giving me their trust. It is an immense honor and privilege to be the spokesperson for nearly 1,000 municipalities and MRCS across Quebec, who work tirelessly to ensure the health and vitality of their territory.
Joining Demers on the Board of Directors are MRC Kamouraska Prefect Yvon Soucy as First Vice-chair, Îles-de-lamadeleine Prefect Jonathan Lapierre as Second Vice-chair, Larry Bernier, Mayor of Lac-édouard, Guy Saint-pierre, Mayor of Manseau,. Gaston Arcand, Mayor of Deschambault-grondines, and Chantale Lamarche, Prefect of the MRC de la Vallée-de-la-gatineau.