The citizens' committee responsible for reviewing electoral wards and representation methods in Edmundston submits its report

Apr 15, 2025

After an intense period of consultation, with public sessions, an online survey and meetings with various experts, the citizens' committee responsible for reviewing electoral wards and modes of representation presented its final report to the municipal council at its monthly public meeting.

In addition to gathering and analysing comments from the public, the review committee carried out the complex task of analysing data and best practices. The committee's formal recommendation is to divide the new municipal territory into three electoral wards, each represented by three councillors.

According to the committee's chairman, retired judge George Pérusse, this new approach is dynamic, forward-looking and progressive. "We believe it represents an effective, fair and collaborative model, and encourages partnership with rural and urban communities. It instils a sense of trust, pride and belonging across the new territory," he told the council members.

The committee examined various representation models, the number of wards and the ideal number of councillors to arrive at its recommendation. The recommended model of 3 wards is divided geographically along the three main axes of the municipality and combines wards 2 and 5, and wards 4 and 3. Ward 1 remains in its entirety.

"By proposing this change, we are close to parity in the number of electors per ward, as specified by case law, i.e. Ward 1 with 4,808 electors, Ward 2 with 4,192 electors and Ward 3 with 5,160 electors. There is also a geographical balance and equity of power between the wards," explained Mr Pérusse.

The committee held public consultation sessions in each ward from February 10 to 25. From February 25 to March 7, the committee made an online survey available to residents to find out their views on the various models under study. In all, 77 people took part in the neighbourhood meetings and 145 people completed the survey. The committee also consulted experts and reviewed relevant documentation from Canadian municipalities.

City Council will now deliberate on the final report and is expected to amend the municipal by-law by the end of the summer. The by-law must then be approved by the provincial government in the fall and put in place for the 2026 municipal elections.

In closing, the review committee was made up of George Pérusse, Noëlline LeBel, Bernard LeBel, Madeleine Dubé, Jacques Desjardins and Dominique Babineau. 

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CONTACT: George Pérusse, revision.zones@gmail.com