Laval, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – Following a period of summer reflection, the leader and founding member of Parti Laval, Mr. Claude Larochelle, is announcing his decision to withdraw from Laval municipal politics after more than ten years of involvement. Elected city councillor for Fabreville in 2017, then re-elected in 2021, Mr. Larochelle notably served as leader of the opposition before running for mayor in the 2025 elections. The party's board of directors will meet shortly to appoint the person who will assume interim leadership.
A new chapter
After helping found the party in 2016 at the invitation of former leader Michel Trottier, Claude Larochelle was elected city councillor for the Fabreville district in 2017, and then re-elected in 2021. He also served as leader of the opposition on the city council. In the November 2025 elections, he took on the challenge of running for mayor, finishing in second place. "I loved these eight wonderful years representing the people of Fabreville. My role as leader of the opposition on the city council allowed me to defend the interests of the men and women of Laval in all aspects of municipal life. Over time, the Parti Laval team has earned solid credibility and a reputation for competence and integrity on the city council and within the Laval public service. After all this journey, it is time for me to move on to a new chapter and make way for the next generation. Parti Laval has many talented and trustworthy individuals in its ranks. I thank all those who have supported us so far and who will continue to do so," expressed Claude Larochelle.
The board of directors will have to choose a person to serve as interim.
The board of directors of Parti Laval will meet soon to appoint the person who will serve as interim leader of the party until the selection of the next leader ahead of the 2029 municipal elections. "Mr. Larochelle has defended the interests of the people of Laval with rigor, competence, and integrity during his ten years in the service of our city. I would like to thank him for the immense work he has accomplished within Parti Laval over the years as well as for his leadership during last fall's mayoral campaign," stated party president Francine Charbonneau.
His colleague Louise Lortie, city councillor for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, also highlights his dedication and contribution to public debate: "Whether at city council, during meetings with municipal services, or at citizen gatherings, his knowledge and mastery of municipal files have always been impressive. His constant support for his colleagues has also been very valuable. We will miss him."
Parti Laval approaches the future with confidence and has three years to find the best person to lead the party for the 2029 municipal elections.
SOURCE: Opposition Office | Laval Party
Tommy Vallée | Communications Manager
438 875 8663 │t.vallee@laval.ca