There were no defining moments of drama, but rather consistently articulated answers during a debate held on Thursday, October 15 between four of North Glengarry’s five candidates for mayor in the upcoming municipal election.
The debate, which included candidates Victor Brassard, Josée Jeaurond-Séguin, Jamie MacDonald, and Cody Pierce, was presented by Glengarry TV and held in the Michel Depratto Hall at the Glengarry Sports Palace. About 300 people were in the audience, and many more viewed online. Candidate Michel Levert did not participate. Ernie MacMillan and Jean-Claude Larocque jointly moderated the debate.
Each candidate delivered an opening statement, following that, they answered questions asked by the moderators, and questions candidates asked each other. Recurring themes were better communication, infrastructure, affordability for citizens, economic development, and keeping long-term care services in Alexandria following the announcement that The Palace facility could close.
Pierce, who has been strongly critical of MacDonald throughout the campaign, did emphasize his criticism of the incumbent has been based on his record as mayor, and not as a person. He said the biggest challenges facing North Glengarry are affordability and the need to support entrepreneurship.
MacDonald said taxation is a challenge because the province has not done a comprehensive property revaluation since 2016, and the township continues to fall behind on infrastructure needs.
Brassard said solutions are needed for lower taxes. He said 60 per cent of the township’s assets are in good condition, so any growth and development should be planned strategically. Brassard said business in North Glengarry needs to be encouraged and opportunities created for new employment. He also identified housing as a need in the municipality.
In response to a question about balancing the needs of urban settlements with North Glengarry’s rural areas, both Jeaurond-Séguin and Pierce said all areas should be treated equally. Pierce said that to address this, he would hold regular public forums for residents in communities across the township and would also implement an online service ticket system where residents could make requests from the municipality. The progress of these would be trackable online in real time.
“Our hamlets need to get more work done in them,” MacDonald said. He also acknowledged further improvements to communication are necessary.
“I do agree we need to have better communication in our hamlets,” he remarked.
Brassard said he wants leadership that takes an active presence and accompanies good communication.
In response to a question about land use, Brassard said he supports developing agricultural land if it will ensure increased tax revenue. However, he defended the preservation of farmland and said it should not be expropriated for development.
Jeaurond-Séguin said the focus should be on taking care of farmland and its purpose.
“I don’t think it would be right to take a stand right away,” said Pierce. However, he added, “I’m a big believer in property rights.”
“I honestly think we should be protecting our agricultural land,” MacDonald said. He added that there is already enough development land available to North Glengarry to last for 20 years without taking more. MacDonald also said the provincial government is not eager to let farmland be developed outside the area of major cities.
MacDonald said the biggest challenges for economic development in North Glengarry are the loss of the former chamber of commerce in Alexandria because the expertise it once provided is no longer available. He said the Economic Development Officer the township recently hired will be working towards results to better encourage and attract economic development.
Brassard said there should be a new, single chamber of commerce for all of North Glengarry. Currently, a separate organization exists in Maxville.
Jeaurond-Séguin said retaining youth in the community would help economic development.
Pierce said working with the Economic Development Officer, combined with his own business experience, would be beneficial for economic development in North Glengarry.
Pierce asked MacDonald why he seemed to think communication was more important now. He replied that the township has made efforts through social media, but they were not sufficiently successful. MacDonald said that after the election, the township will be establishing a dedicated communications position to ensure better engagement with residents.
MacDonald then asked Pierce how he would pay for promises he has made, such as constructing a new public swimming pool and establishing a shuttle service to help citizens get around the community. Pierce suggested a fundraising campaign and referred to the success of the CT scanner fundraising effort at Glengarry Memorial Hospital. MacDonald later said municipalities should not be in the fundraising business.
Brassard asked Pierce how he plans to not raise taxes, and which services he would cut to make that possible.
Pierce said that promise would not take effect in 2027, but instead in 2028. During 2027, he would examine the township’s finances and find where savings could be found.
MacDonald requested Brassard provide a clearer indication of exactly what his campaign platform is.
Brassard said his platform is to represent the people.
“I’m not here to tell you what to think,” he said to the audience.
Brassard then asked MacDonald that if he is opposed to the use of Strong Mayor Powers, he has been given by the province, why did he allegedly use them twice in 2025.
“That’s completely false,” replied MacDonald. He explained that one of the alleged situations involved the dismissal of a municipal employee, and he only acted after receiving a signed affidavit signed by all other members of council. MacDonald could not immediately recall the other situation Brassard was alleging.
Brassard said to improve communication, he would hold meetings with the various ward councillors around the township to allow residents to ask questions and make comments.
Jeaurond-Séguin said a municipal newsletter would be beneficial for improved communication.
Pierce again promoted his idea for online, trackable service requests.
MacDonald said he answers about 50 to 75 calls per week from residents, and council members are constantly engaged with citizens.
“We’re out in the community,” he said.
MacDonald suggested the Committee of the Whole portion of council meetings be better utilized to accommodate questions from citizens.
One of the final, significant issues addressed during the debate was tax revenue and financial management.
MacDonald said it is possible to deliver more services without a significant tax increase.
“The more people want a higher level of service, that costs money,” he however cautioned.
“If the community wants better services, there will have to be some kind of tax augmentation,” Jeaurond-Séguin said.
Pierce said efficiencies could be achieved through strategy, and services could be cut if there is consent from residents.
The complete North Glengarry Mayoral Candidates’ Debate may be viewed online at https://glengarrytv.com. The Review is also proud to have sponsored the debate.
