Gaston Allard tendered his resignation as mayor of the municipality of Fort-Coulonge on Nov. 11. While citing personal and professional reasons, Allard considers his time as mayor as a personal "failure."

“There were easier times, but I set myself higher goals. There were certainly good things but from a personal point of view it was a failure. I wish I had done more,” said the former mayor.

Allard was elected in 2017 by a very strong majority ahead of former councilor Jacques Masseau (585 votes against 214).

In an exclusive interview with CHIP 101.9, Allard reveals that he has a new job on a professional level which no longer allows him to exercise his functions as mayor within the council. Pro-Mayor Debbie Laporte attended the various MRC Pontiac meetings for about six months and replaced Allard a few times for official meetings.

“I would like to personally thank Debbie Laporte because she has been extremely present to replace me in the last few months,” mentioned Allard.

Who will replace Allard?

According to the rules of the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH), less than one year before the elections, the councilors can select the person who will succeed Allard within his council. This is what the municipal council decided and, in the next few days, the council will meet to appoint a mayor. The municipal elections are scheduled for Nov. 7, 2021.

Here is a French report on the resignation of the former mayor Gaston Allard by François Carrier: