Citing political 'difficulties,' Quebec places town of Sainte-Élisabeth under trusteeship

The Quebec government has placed the municipality of Sainte-Élisabeth under trusteeship, after the town's mayor declared a state of emergency twice in June due to tensions between citizens and elected officials.

Quebec Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest adopted the decree on Wednesday, noting that "the government has a duty to ensure the proper administration of municipalities."

"Steps are being taken to ensure the sound management of Sainte-Élisabeth," Laforest said in a news statement published on Wednesday. "This decision will provide the municipal council with the assistance and support it needs to carry out its duties."

Geneviève Drolet, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said in an email on Thursday that Sainte-Élisabeth is "facing significant political and administrative difficulties" despite previous interventions by the ministry. 

She noted that the ministry does not comment on the "specific situations" leading to the appointment of an observer. 

Municipal council meetings have been tense since 2023 after reports of mockery from the audience and elected officials and citizens talking over each other.

Sainte-Élisabeth Mayor Louis Bérard cited the Municipal Code of Quebec, which requires him to "protect elected officials," in explaining his decision to declare a state of emergency.

Citizens are criticizing the municipality for incurring expenses and making investments without having produced financial reports since 2023.

Three municipal employees were allegedly injured during a recent municipal council meeting, according to Bérard.

All Sainte-Élisabeth municipal council decisions must be approved by the Commission municipale du Québec until the commission believes the situation in the town is resolved.