Procedures within the MRC Pontiac were once again discussed yesterday (February 17) at the monthly meeting of the Council of Mayors of the MRC Pontiac. It was the Warden of the MRC Pontiac, Jane Toller and the mayor of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Winston Sunstrum, who expressed different points of view. It appears that the agenda, which was sent out to the media late yesterday afternoon, was the main point of contention.

Winston Suntrum explained that last Friday he sent three subjects he wanted to see on the agenda, some of which may be related to the forestry industry and the bio-park project. Mayor Sunstrum asked why the three topics he asked to add to the agenda were not there.

The director of the MRC Pontiac, Bernard Roy explained the procedures on this subject so that everyone can operate internally according to an established framework. Some mayors, in support of Winston Sunstrum’s arguments, ruled that the subjects brought by the mayor of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes should be discussed at the public meeting and demanded that their votes be recorded against the adoption of the agenda as presented.

At the end of the session, when asked about the challenges of virtual meetings, Jane Toller admitted that it is a big challenge in building relationships.

She also confirmed that the broadcasting of public meetings of the MRC Pontiac via social media was to remain, in the future, in order to give citizens the chance to attend. The next public meeting of the MRC Pontiac is scheduled for the month of March, but by then, the files concerning the forest industry may hold the attention of elected officials.