Quebec’s Saint-Jérôme heading to a referendum amidst COVID-19

Saint-Jérôme residence unhappy with city councils $30M sports complex proposal

The municipal council of the city of Saint-Jérôme has ruled, in the last few days, that it will leave its citizens until September 9 to express their opposition to the construction of a sports complex exceeding $ 30 million through the opening of a register that could lead to a referendum.

Several citizens who felt violated in their rights mentioned that they did not have access to technologies to allow them to exercise their opposition, within the short time allowed, in addition to having to provide the required documents. As for the postal service, there is great uncertainty regarding possible delivery times.

In the interest of the citizens of Saint-Jérôme and those of all of Quebec, why is the Minister of Municipal Affairs refraining from intervening when the time is clearly inappropriate to undertake public consultations on the issues? so important and heavy with consequences for the finances of our municipalities? All this without giving citizens the time and the means to make their voices heard.

The population of Saint-Jérôme has the right to exercise their democratic rights under conditions allowing everyone to vote. We need an intervention from the minister, who must ensure that any municipal administration does not take advantage of the current health crisis to ignore the democratic principles that guide our political commitment.

“As a former mayor and prefect, I frown when elected officials decide to use a process as important as the referendum in these times of a global pandemic. What is preventing municipal authorities from waiting for the end of this unprecedented health crisis to allow citizens to exercise their rights? This is democracy! Thus, I share the concerns of the people who wish to make their voices heard and ensure the transparency of the referendum process. “ Marie-Claude Nichols, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil

“I appeal to common sense and, like my colleague, ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs to get involved so that democracy is fully expressed in this important issue. “ Christine St-Pierre , Member of Parliament for Acadia

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