The locale of Arthabaska-L'Érable, renowned for cultivating "flags"

This summer, the small municipality of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, home to 838 residents, played host to its annual family festival. Amidst the festivities, the political landscape of the region took centre stage as the Arthabaska-L'Érable by-election heated up.

Key Candidates and Parties

The by-election has attracted key candidates from major parties, including Éric Duhaime of the Conservative Party of Quebec, Chantale Marchand representing the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), and Alex Boissonneault, who is affiliated with the Parti Québécois or a similarly left-wing party. The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), a dominant force in Quebec politics, does not seem to have a highlighted candidate actively campaigning in this by-election.

Éric Duhaime

Known for his controversial statements, Duhaime has been criticised for devaluing seniors’ lives, supporting unequal voting rights, and disparaging local farmers. His polarising political style has raised concerns among local residents that his election could harm the region’s reputation for civility and respect.

Chantale Marchand

Emphasising moderation, dialogue, inclusion, stability, social equity, and responsible economic development, Marchand aims to be a stabilising, moderate voice in a polarised political atmosphere. With a background in communications and community service focused on seniors and economic development, she presents a moderate contrast to Duhaime.

Alex Boissonneault

Boissonneault's campaign focuses on issues like the scarcity and high cost of housing. She stresses social priorities such as safe living conditions and affordability, and she also notes encountering hostility from conservative supporters during door-to-door campaigns, highlighting political tensions on the ground.

Local Concerns and Political Dynamics

The campaign features opposition between Duhaime's polarised conservative stance and Marchand's moderate approach, with Boissonneault focusing on social issues like housing. Voter engagement has been notably high, with advance voting turnout reported around 26%.

Housing affordability and availability are central concerns emphasised by Boissonneault, while respectful dialogue and regional reputation are significant themes, especially pushed by critics of Duhaime’s past statements.

The by-election occurs in a regional context where voters seek a balance between economic development and social equity. The riding has 17 municipalities and 78,848 residents, of whom 60% live in Victoriaville.

Noteworthy Developments

Québec Solidaire's candidate, Pascale Fortin, is on vacation outside the country and has denounced François Legault's decision to call the by-election at the last minute. Meanwhile, Mayor Jocelyn Bédard is seeking permission from the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec to convert agricultural land for development, but has been refused.

In the midst of this political whirlwind, the Parti Québécois' team has created a website dedicated to "Éric's Inaccuracies", while Trump continues to deny facts that displease him to promote his own version of reality. The St-Michel sawmill's temporary halt of activities due to Trump's tariffs is causing concern in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.

During the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes family festival, Éric Duhaime and Alex Boissonneault, politicians, attended the festival on the same day. They shook hands politely before going to talk to people on their own sides. The Conservative party, led by Duhaime, has criticised Boissonneault for presenting himself as a "local guy" from Saint-Ferdinand, claiming that no one there knows him.

As the by-election approaches on August 11, the race remains tight, with each candidate vying for the support of the voters in this small but politically significant region.

The political landscape of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes region is under the spotlight during the Arthabaska-L'Érable by-election.
Key candidates like Éric Duhaime, Chantale Marchand, and Alex Boissonneault are contesting in the by-election at the municipal level.
Éric Duhaime, a Conservative Party of Quebec candidate, has faced criticism for his controversial statements.
Chantale Marchand, the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) candidate, emphasizes moderation and stability.
Alex Boissonneault, whose affiliation is with the Parti Québécois or a similar party, focuses on issues like housing and social priorities.
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), a dominant force in Quebec politics, has no highlighted candidate in this by-election.
Voter engagement is high with reported advance voting turnout of 26%.
Housing affordability and availability are central concerns in this by-election.
The political tension between Duhaime's conservative stance and Marchand's moderate approach is palpable.
Québec Solidaire's candidate, Pascale Fortin, denounced François Legault's decision to call the by-election at the last minute.
The Parti Québécois' team has created a website dedicated to Éric Duhaime's inaccuracies.
The St-Michel sawmill's temporary halt of activities due to Trump's tariffs is causing concern in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.
The by-election is taking place in a region seeking a balance between economic development and social equity.
The riding has 17 municipalities and 78,848 residents, with 60% residing in Victoriaville.
Mayoral candidate Jocelyn Bédard has been refused permission to convert agricultural land for development.
During the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes family festival, Duhaime and Boissonneault attended on the same day, exchanging polite handshakes.
The Conservative party led by Duhaime has criticized Boissonneault for claiming to be a "local guy" from Saint-Ferdinand.
On the subject of Trump, he continues to deny facts that displease him to promote his own version of reality.
Despite the political whirlwind, the race for the by-election remains tight, with each candidate striving for voter support.
The by-election's outcome will significantly impact this politically important, but small, region.