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Sausser Summers, PC
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File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee
Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Gatineau, Quebec
If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Gatineau, Quebec.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
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Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Gatineau, Quebec, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
The bottom line?
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Gatineau, Quebec?
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
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us (843) 654-0078Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
What About Online Filing Services?
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Gatineau, Quebec.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Understanding Trademarks Over Time
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Gatineau, Quebec can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Steps to Renew Your Trademark
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Gatineau, Quebec, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
- Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Gatineau, Quebec.
- It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
- Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.
Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
Latest News in Gatineau, Quebec
Firearms seizure in Gatineau is one of the largest Quebec has seen, CBSA says
Paul Cherryhttps://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/firearms-seizure-in-gatineau-is-one-of-the-largest-quebec-has-seen-cbsa-says
The discovery of a silencer sent from China, making its way across the border through an airport in Toronto, led investigators to a home in Gatineau, where they made one of the largest seizures of firearms in Quebec in recent memory, the Canada Border Services Agency reported on Wednesday.During a news conference held in Montreal, CBSA officials said the search of a home in Gatineau’s Versant district on Feb. 6 uncovered 61 firearms, including 13 prohibited weapons as well as six silencers, six high-capacity magazines, 22 air gu...
The discovery of a silencer sent from China, making its way across the border through an airport in Toronto, led investigators to a home in Gatineau, where they made one of the largest seizures of firearms in Quebec in recent memory, the Canada Border Services Agency reported on Wednesday.
During a news conference held in Montreal, CBSA officials said the search of a home in Gatineau’s Versant district on Feb. 6 uncovered 61 firearms, including 13 prohibited weapons as well as six silencers, six high-capacity magazines, 22 air guns and ammunition.
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The investigation was launched in November after CBSA agents intercepted a silencer in a courier package at Toronto’s Pearson airport. The importer was identified as a Gatineau resident connected to a previous customs seizure involving prohibited weapons.
The 62-year-old man was arrested and released without being detained because the investigation is continuing. Investigators are still trying to determine where the firearms came from. So far, the probe hasn’t turned up any accomplices.
Tony Dos Santos of the CBSA said the firearms removed from the residence were a mix of hunting rifles that do not require registration in Canada, along with prohibited weapons and other guns that are restricted.
“The man (arrested) is known to CBSA for customs seizures made in the past,” Dos Santos said, adding investigators are still trying to determine why the man was collecting such an arsenal. “For the region of Quebec, it is an important seizure — one of the biggest in recent years in terms of quantity.
“It was a surprise for the investigators.”
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More than 2,500 new social and affordable housing units across Quebec, including nearly 300 in the Outaouais Français
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/more-than-2-500-new-social-and-affordable-housing-units-across-quebec-including-nearly-300-in-the-outaouais-815656663.html
GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 16, 2024 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec are proud to announce that 2,574 new housing units will be built quickly as part of 47 projects across Quebec, thanks to $900 million in federal funding provided to Quebec through the Canada-Quebec agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund, plus new investments totalling $900 million announced by Quebec during its fall 2023 economic update. These 47 projects were selected during the Société d'habitation du Québec's (SHQ) second call for projects ...
GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 16, 2024 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec are proud to announce that 2,574 new housing units will be built quickly as part of 47 projects across Quebec, thanks to $900 million in federal funding provided to Quebec through the Canada-Quebec agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund, plus new investments totalling $900 million announced by Quebec during its fall 2023 economic update. These 47 projects were selected during the Société d'habitation du Québec's (SHQ) second call for projects under the Programme d'habitation abordable Québec (PHAQ).
Considering the particularly severe housing crisis in the Outaouais region, the governments of Canada and Quebec are pleased to announce that close to 300 of the planned units will be built there, including 79 for students at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. The Minister of Higher Education has already confirmed a $6.4 million contribution to this student housing project.
The other two projects are as follows:
The announcement was made by France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, and the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. Attendees included the federal MPs for Pontiac, Sophie Chatel, and Argenteuil–La Petite-Nation, Stéphane Lauzon, as well as the MNAs for Chapleau, Hull, and Gatineau, Mathieu Lévesque, Suzanne Tremblay, and Robert Bussière.
The Government of Quebec will fund these projects through the SHQ's PHAQ. The Government of Canada will provide funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Municipalities are also financial partners for these projects. They must provide a contribution equivalent to at least 40% of the SHQ's base grant.
Quotes:
"Less than two months after signing a historic agreement with the Government of Canada, we are already set to announce more than 2,500 additional housing units to be built as part of the PHAQ. This is in addition to the 999 units announced last December. We are keeping our promise to increase construction of affordable housing by building these 3,500 units. Every Quebecer deserves a home that meets their needs. We will continue our efforts to increase the housing supply across the province."
France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Member of the National Assembly for Bertrand
"The agreement we have reached with the Government of Quebec will enable us to build more housing, faster, for Quebecers. The historic investments and initiatives that the Government of Quebec will put in place to help municipalities increase density and reduce construction times will enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes. With the creation of 2,500 new housing units, we're starting to see the HAF at work in Quebec."
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"I would like to congratulate the organizations behind the projects supported by our government. Your work is helping to increase the supply of housing on our territory. Of the 300 units that have been announced, I would like to highlight the significant contribution of my two colleagues, France-Élaine Duranceau and Pascale Déry, to the student residences project, which today receives a contribution of $6.4 million. The unified campus project takes on its full meaning when we give ourselves the means to adequately house our current and future students."
Mathieu Lacombe, Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister Responsible for Youth, and Minister Responsible for the Outaouais Region
"Our government understands the importance of safe, affordable and accessible housing. It's the catalyst that enables Quebecers to pursue their education, find a job and seize the opportunities available to them. When there's a housing shortage, the entire Quebec economy suffers. With today's announcement, we are pursuing our goal of removing barriers, investing in the economy and helping everyone in Quebec find a home."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier and Quebec Lieutenant
"Lack of housing shouldn't be a barrier to education, and that's why we're taking action. Thanks to these new investments, we're enabling our higher education institutes to play their full role in training the next generation and attracting students from all over Quebec and beyond. I'm also delighted to support the construction of a new student residence at UQO, a project so eagerly awaited by the community!"
Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education
"By building more affordable housing faster, our government is opening up new opportunities for growth in Gatineau. By working together, we can equip our communities with new tools to help them realize their potential and turn opportunity into reality. With today's announcement, I'm delighted to see the impact of the HAF in the Outaouais region."
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
"I'm proud of the addition of these 300 affordable housing units in my riding for families, students and newcomers. It's important to recognize the work of all the organizations behind these housing projects. Thanks to the financial support of all our partners, these projects will be able to get off the ground and meet essential needs in our communities."
Suzanne Tremblay, Member of the National Assembly for Hull and Temporary Chair
"This announcement is excellent news for Gatineau and demonstrates the government of Québec's and the government of Canada's recognition of the regional particularities and major housing-related issues in our city. I'd like to stress the importance of working together to solve the housing crisis. Together, this year we are firmly committed to accelerating the construction of affordable, social and community housing."
France Bélisle, Mayor of Gatineau
Highlights:
The Government of Quebec is firmly committed to pursuing its efforts to accelerate the construction of residential units on its territory, notably through the Act respecting land use planning and development and other provisions. In addition, the Government of Quebec will set up an interdepartmental project acceleration unit in collaboration with Quebec municipalities, and will adopt new government directions for land use planning that include housing construction indicators on which municipalities will have to base their targets. It intends to propose legislative amendments, currently being drafted and subject to adoption by the National Assembly, to improve urban densification, facilitate authorization of residential building construction and shorten related delays as a result.
About the Société d'habitation du Québec
As a leader in housing, the SHQ's mission is to meet the housing needs of Quebecers through its expertise and services to citizens. It does this by providing affordable and low-rental housing and offering a range of assistance programs to support the construction, renovation, and adaptation of homes, and access to homeownership.
To find out more about its activities, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html.
SocietehabitationQuebecHabitationSHQ LinkedIn
About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
As Canada's authority on housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
For further information: Justine Vézina, Press Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Housing, justine.vezina@habitation.gouv.qc.ca; Micaal Ahmed, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca; Information: Media Relations, Société d'habitation du Québec, medias@shq.gouv.qc.ca; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Gatineau mayor resigns, warns Quebec about 'exodus' of municipal politicians
La Presse Canadiennehttps://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/gatineau-mayor-resigns-warns-quebec-about-exodus-of-municipal-politicians
Article contentGatineau Mayor France Bélisle on Thursday announced she was resigning from her post, citing the increasingly difficult climate for municipal politicians in the province.“I wondered a lot about the price to pay to accomplish this demanding work, in a context, let’s say it, that is often hostile,” she told journalists, her voice choked with emotion.Bélisle is leaving her position immediately. City councillor Daniel Champagne will replace her for the moment.In a long s...
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Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle on Thursday announced she was resigning from her post, citing the increasingly difficult climate for municipal politicians in the province.
“I wondered a lot about the price to pay to accomplish this demanding work, in a context, let’s say it, that is often hostile,” she told journalists, her voice choked with emotion.
Bélisle is leaving her position immediately. City councillor Daniel Champagne will replace her for the moment.
In a long statement to explain her decision, visibly taken reluctantly, Bélisle said she did so to “preserve (her) health for the future” and “preserve (her) integrity.”
Bélisle said she was “a witness to comments and ways of doing things that concern (her).”
“Personal attacks that go beyond criticism, elected officials who do not play their role in the right place or at the right time, death threats by certain members of the public.”
The ex-mayor also mentioned upcoming decisions that she does not want to be associated with.
“Being mayor is the most wonderful job I have had and the greatest honour that has been given to me, but it is also the most difficult job I have had,” she added.
Bélisle also invited the Quebec government to reflect “on this exodus of municipal elected officials, but also on all elections by acclamation.”
“I think we should all be concerned about a public service that is no longer popular,” she stressed.
The former mayor mentioned several examples of the problem, including the resignation of the young mayor of Chapais, Isabelle Lessard, and the temporary withdrawal of the mayor of Sherbrooke, Évelyne Beaudin, for health reasons.
Bélisle was elected mayor of Gatineau in November 2021, becoming the first woman to assume the position.
She described her role as mayor as being at once the most magnificent and most difficult of her lifetime.
Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, said she accepted Bélisle’s resignation “with regret.” She was likely stung by her comments, listing everything her government had done to help politicians in the municipal sector.
(1/4) C’est avec regret que je prends acte de la démission de la mairesse de Gatineau, France Bélisle, et lui souhaite du succès pour la suite. Un climat malsain dans un conseil municipal ne doit pas être toléré. Ce sont des comportements inacceptables de la part d’élus.
— Andrée Laforest (@AndreeLaforest) February 22, 2024
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“Our government is doing its part to support elected officials in their duties,” Laforest wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Now, it is important that certain changes take place from within the councils with a sincere desire and for the benefit of citizens.
“I have the firm intention of continuing the work in partnership with the municipal sector so that our elected officials can accomplish their essential mandate.”
In a statement, Union des municipalités du Québec president Martin Damphousse described Bélisle as “determined, driven by a duty to be involved an endowed with deep values.
“Her openness and empathy made her a notable figure in the municipal world, always ready to make changes and defend the values of equality and social causes, even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Quebec Premier François Legault took to social media to salute Bélisle, thanking her for her service and wishing her well.
Je veux remercier France Bélisle pour ses années de service à titre de mairesse de Gatineau. Je lui souhaite le meilleur pour la suite.
— François Legault (@francoislegault) February 22, 2024
André Fortin, the Liberal MNA who represents the riding of Pontiac, also expressed his respects.
“She moved our city forward. While she leaves with a heavy heart, she can also do so with her head held high.”
J’ai tellement de respect et d’admiration pour @BelisleFrance, une mairesse fonceuse, humaine, proche des citoyens, collée sur ses valeurs. Elle a fait progresser notre ville. Bien qu’elle quitte le cœur gros, elle peut aussi quitter la tête haute. #polqc https://t.co/icQN9j8Rkw
— André Fortin (@AvecAndreFortin) February 22, 2024
Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said Bélisle had given “impactful testimony.”
“Politics can be a thankless and difficult environment, particularly for women. The intimidation that elected officials increasingly face must be denounced, without restraint,” he said on social media.
Je suis attristé par la démission de la mairesse de Gatineau. Un témoignage percutant. La politique peut être un milieu ingrat et difficile, particulièrement pour les femmes. L'intimidation à laquelle les élus font de plus en plus face doit être dénoncée, sans retenue. https://t.co/x2DyGY04SD
— Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (@PaulPlamondon) February 22, 2024
The spokesperson for Québec solidaire for municipal affairs, Étienne Grandmont, said “this unfortunate departure is added to a too-long list of resignations of municipal elected officials since 2021.
“If the CAQ really did its part to support municipal elected officials as Minister Laforest said, 741 people would not have resigned during this mandate. (…) The situation must change and quickly: we are currently experiencing an epidemic of departures which are a symptom of neglect on the issue of harassment and intimidation and which constitute a significant risk for our democracy,” he said in a written statement.
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