(Ottawa) Jean-Denis Garon makes a Dominique Michel of himself and reconsiders his decision to leave political life. Like the popular actress who frequently claimed she was doing her last Bye Bye before changing his mind, he announced his departure as he was preparing to become a father before realizing that it would be possible to reconcile career and family.
Published at 5:00 a.m.
“In my opinion, it was impossible to do both to the level of what I want,” he admits in an interview. He said at the time that his decision was “carefully considered.” But after “frank and realistic” discussions with his partner, his family and his team, he came to the conclusion that “it is partially possible”, provided that sacrifices are made.
The Bloc MP, who became the father of a little boy in November, was elected for the first time in the 2021 election, with 46.5% of the vote. He now plans to seek a second term in the Mirabel riding.
“For the first time since 2021, we had real couple time where we talked about the career, the place we want it to take, then the barriers we need to put in place,” he confides . I can guarantee you that it didn’t last just one night and that it didn’t always end well. I had some apologies to offer at times. »
The world has changed a lot since the birth of his son, if only with the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States.
It’s certain that the variable of having your guy in your arms, of seeing tariffs of 25% coming, threats of annexation of Canada, of seeing that and then telling yourself: I’m going to watch that from my living room, it It’s sure it’s coming to get me.
Jean-Denis Garon, Member of Parliament for Mirabel
He was also influenced by the hundred messages from his fellow citizens asking him to reconsider his decision. And the discussions he had with his employees, themselves parents, who pointed out to him that he was always ready to accommodate them to allow them to reconcile their demanding work on Parliament Hill and their family life.
Workaholic confessed, he will however have to learn to put a limit on the number of hours he can devote to his work as an MP, even if it means missing a few spaghetti dinners on Saturdays or spending evenings in Montreal, where he lives.
“I will have to respect my word to my wife, but I think there is a way to be a very good MP, especially being in Mirabel, which is closer to Ottawa, by spending more time in the county, by being more efficient and by being a good father, he says. Of course, the reality is that it requires sacrifices. »
Accommodations
Around ten Bloc Québécois MPs have children and must reconcile their role as parents with that of MPs. Among them, Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Marilène Gill, Andréanne Larouche and Christine Normandin, who gave birth in December. MP Kristina Michaud is due to give birth in April. Faced with this reality, the political party chose to accommodate them.
“We want to keep quality MPs,” said the Bloc whip, Yves Perron.
For example, MPs can spend three days instead of four in Ottawa and work remotely in their riding. Hybrid Parliament, a legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic, now allows elected officials to participate in parliamentary committees virtually. The party also demonstrates flexibility, if necessary, such as for school meetings.
We think it’s important for a parent to be present in their child’s life so that they don’t arrive at 12 or 15 years old and then see nothing happen.
Yves Perron, Bloc Québécois whip
“It’s also important to have these people in the delegation because a caucus must represent society,” he continues.
“I’m glad he’s staying.”
Jean-Denis Garon’s decision was well received in his constituency. Three mayors contacted by The Press all welcomed the commitment of the MP, who finds a way to be present in his constituency even if he does not live there. The elected official chose to stay in Montreal, where he already lived before entering politics.
“We had someone who was there almost all the time and it was even embarrassing because sometimes we have events and we’re not always there and he was there. It puts a little pressure,” admits with a laugh the mayor of Mirabel, Patrick Charbonneau.
The mayor of Oka, Pascal Quévillon, is one of those who encouraged him to stay in politics. “He is very effective, despite being in opposition. He takes care of his files and moves them well,” he emphasizes.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
François Robillard, mayor of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac
“I’m happy that he’s staying,” reacts the mayor of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, François Robillard, who is raising two young children. “I think that today, people also understand that a politician cannot be everywhere. »
Yes, there are unmissable events in the constituency, but for others, it is possible to send employees from your office, believes the municipal representative. He believes this change in mentality is necessary.
“There are people who refuse to play politics because of a lack of conciliation [travail-famille]he points out. We are missing out on competent people who want to give time for society. »
A sign that times are changing…
Who is Jean-Denis Garon?
This long-time Bloc Québécois activist was elected as MP for Mirabel in 2021.
He was previously professor of economics at the School of Management Sciences at the University of Quebec in Montreal.
He first stood out as an Infoman lookalike, then as an incisive parliamentarian.
His bill on whistleblowers (C-290) was adopted by the House of Commons, but it risks dying on the order paper since it has not yet been studied by the Senate.
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