Saint Lazare Mayor Geneviève Lachance apologized to a resident for the way she was treated by some councillors at the monthly council meeting last June.

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Resident asks Councillor Richard Chartrand to resign

Chartrand says email was sent to resident by mistake

Lachance made the apology directly to Paola Irrera during question period at the regular Tuesday evening council meeting on July 11.

The apology was made in response to the way Irrera was treated by some councillors during the last session, especially Richard Chartrand who sent her an inappropriate comment in an email after the meeting on June 13.

To read about the comment and Irrera's request for Chartrand to resign from council, go to https://bit.ly/3pEiNXI.

Mayor's apology

"I apologize for how you're feeling. Clearly you're disturbed by this event that happened last month. I take it very seriously," said Lachance

"I know it was a very challenging meeting. I could feel it. I watched the video afterwards and communication was clearly difficult for everyone on both sides. There was a lot of emotion going on and frustration from everyone.

"But you have to know that the intentions of the council, knowing all of them, is at the right place. They're here for the benefit of the entire population. But we also did discuss the appropriate behaviour and being respectful towards our residents during council meetings and at all times.

"They're all ready and committed to uphold that standard. It was discussed already and it's something we are aware of and working every time we are sitting working here towards our citizens to be respectful.

"Of course, when there are emotions and passion on both sides sometimes it gets a hold of people. I'm sorry it didn't go well when I wasn't here but I think moving forward it's really up to the councillors to decide their next move if they want to apologize or not. 

"I can't make them apologize. Your request to Mister Chartrand belongs to him. That's all I can do about this situation. There's other avenues if you want to make a complaint but I can't punish councillors as a mayor. I don't have that power.

"Regarding the email, I shared with you my thoughts and that's all I can say. Thank you," Lachance concluded.

None of the councillors at the session said anything after Lachance's apology and commentary.