Opinion letter
Difficult municipal climate: the importance of collaboration and transparency (Opinion letter published on Saturday March 2, 2024 in the Journal de Montréal)
Faced with a series of major challenges, including the numerous resignations of municipal councillors, inappropriate and sometimes unacceptable behaviour on the part of councillors, and an often tense political climate, collective reflection is more than necessary in the municipal world.
As representatives of the Opposition on the Laval City Council, the third largest city in Quebec, we are, like many elected officials, faced with major challenges. The current municipal political context has prompted us to share our thoughts with you.
It is indeed crucial to be aware of the current difficulties weighing on democracy and the role of elected representatives. Strengthening the democratic fabric and fostering constructive, respectful dialogue within municipal councils and with the public are imperatives if we are to consolidate our political system. Unfortunately, too many citizens do not feel involved in municipal politics, even though it is directly linked to their daily lives.
Power dynamics: the mayor's office and the role of oppositions
Not only do we need to question the way we do things, we also need to take a critical look at our institutions. While mayors and their teams are sometimes elected with a fraction of the electorate, they nonetheless gain almost absolute power over the destinies of their municipality.
Indeed, if a majority of candidates from the mayor's party are elected, the mayor will hold all the levers of municipal power. He chooses and appoints the civil servants and elected officials who control municipal committees, commissions and departments.
The existence of an opposition guarantees a degree of counter-power. We exercise our role by questioning the mayor and majority councillors constructively, with respect and decorum. However, the mayor almost always has the last word in council debates, which undermines the democratic balance. He always has the last word during question time. What's more, unequal access to public office for elected members of the opposition hampers relations between the various political players and fuels the lack of transparency criticized by citizens.
Tending to the public interest and consensus
The toxic climate and unacceptable behaviours between and towards elected representatives are often the result of a feeling of powerlessness on the part of people who find it difficult to be heard or to access clear and transparent information. Constructive dialogue should enable the Board to make decisions in the public interest, with a view to achieving a certain level of transparency. consensus. The public interest must include citizens and divergent points of view, not just the interest and program of the party in power. An openness to ideas is as relevant as it is necessary to foster democratic harmony and respect for differences.
Democratic perspectives and possible solutions
Beyond the political jousting, municipal politicians are generally people who are passionate about public service, their city and the people who live there. They have much more in common than they have differences. To encourage constructive debate, we therefore propose the introduction of plenary sessions on all major projects and initiatives, where all elected representatives can express themselves freely. Public plenaries where interested citizens, groups and specialists could hear the exchanges between elected representatives. Closed plenary sessions where frank discussions could lead to consensus on important issues. Parliamentary commissions at both federal and provincial levels allow for such discussion and improvement of bills.
We must no longer tolerate a lack of civic-mindedness. We call for greater respect and inclusion of all parties in the debates. Every voice, whether citizen or elected official, brings a unique perspective that enriches our public debate and helps build more inclusive and innovative solutions. Collaboration and respect for everyone's ideas are essential if we are to move in the right direction.
Claude Larochelle, Fabreville municipal councillor and interim leader of Parti Laval
Louise Lortie, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin city councillor
Opposition to the Laval city council.
For further information, please contact
Tommy Vallée
Communications Manager - Opposition Cabinet
t.vallee@laval.ca | 438 875 8663