Shawinigan Mayor Addresses Criticism Following scathing Municipal Inquiry
Shawinigan Mayor Michel Angers found himself in the spotlight Monday, addressing a critical report released by the Quebec Municipal Commission last Thursday. The report, which documented poor management practices, potential misuse of public funds, and allegations of political interference within the city’s cultural organization, Culture Shawinigan, has sparked controversy and calls for Angers’ resignation.
Surprised But Accepting Responsibility
Angers expressed astonishment and surprise upon reading the report, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and responsible governance. While acknowledging that the city had indeed made some missteps, he emphasized the specific projects he deemed problematic—namely, the illuminated garden project at Grand-Mère Marina and the new Arts Center development.
Dismissing Allegations of Undue Influence
The report raised serious concerns about decision-making processes within Culture Shawinigan, suggesting that key decisions were frequently made in the mayor’s office, bypassing formal council procedures. Angers vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that council played a vital role in all significant decisions made by the organization.
Steps Towards Improved Governance
Angers highlighted the city’s proactive response to the report’s findings. For the past six months, the city administration has been actively working to implement better management practices within its paramunicipal organizations, fulfilling a key recommendation laid out in a separate audit conducted by the firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton earlier this year. This commitment to reform, Angers argued, demonstrates his
dedication to accountability and progress.
Unfazed by Calls for Resignation
A petition circulating among Shawinigan residents, demanding Angers’ resignation, has gathered over 1,200 signatures. However, the mayor dismissed the petition as an expected part of political life, claiming that it would have no influence on his decision to seek re-election.
“It’s part of life,” he remarked, “It’s not the first and it may not be the last. For me, it doesn’t change anything in my life; it doesn’t change anything in my journey. For me, the important thing is to have the confidence of my municipal council which has been renewed in me. As long as I have the agreement and trust of my people, everything is fine.”
How does Mayor Angers plan to regain the public’s trust following the release of the scathing report?
## Interview: Shawinigan Mayor Responds to Municipal Inquiry
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we are joined by Shawinigan Mayor Michel Angers, who is facing intense scrutiny following a scathing report from the Quebec Municipal Commission. Mayor Angers, thank you for being here.
**Mayor Angers:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The report paints a concerning picture of mismanagement and potential wrongdoing within the city administration, particularly regarding Culture Shawinigan. Can you share your initial reaction to reading the findings?
**Mayor Angers:** I was truly surprised and astonished by some of the allegations outlined in the report. Transparency and responsible governance have always been my top priorities, and I take these accusations very seriously. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Angers)]
**Host:** Despite your surprise, the report concludes that mistakes were made. How do you plan to address these issues and regain the public’s trust?
**Mayor Angers:** It’s clear that we haven’t always gotten things right. I acknowledge that some missteps were made, and I am fully committed to learning from them and implementing necessary changes. The people of Shawinigan deserve better, and we will work diligently to earn back their trust.
**Host:** Critics are calling for your resignation in light of these findings. What is your response to these demands?
**Mayor Angers:** I understand their frustration and anger. However, I believe that resigning would be shirking my responsibility to see these issues rectified. I want to use my position to lead Shawinigan towards a brighter future, one marked by transparency, accountability, and good governance.
**Host:** Mayor Angers, thank you for your time and candid responses. We will be closely following your administration’s actions in the coming weeks and months.
**Mayor Angers:** Thank you.
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