Several members of Blainville’s municipal council have been elected or appointed to important roles within the Union des municipalités du Québec, following the organization’s annual Assises, held from May 13 to 15 at the Québec City Convention Centre.
The appointments give Blainville a stronger presence in provincial municipal discussions at a time when cities are increasingly called upon to address complex issues such as youth participation, immigration, climate change, culture, community life and local governance.
Blainville Mayor Liza Poulin will serve as co-president of the 2027 Assises, which will be held in Montreal. She will share the role with Gaétan Pageau, mayor of L’Ancienne-Lorette. Together, they will help define the overall direction of the event, shape its guiding theme, contribute to programming choices, select content and represent the institution.
The Assises are one of the major annual gatherings of Quebec’s municipal world. They bring together elected officials and municipal leaders to discuss issues affecting cities and towns across the province. For Blainville, having its mayor in a leadership role for the 2027 edition places the city closer to the centre of those conversations.
Councillor Jade Laporte, who represents the Saint-Rédempteur district, was elected to the Commission des jeunes élues et élus. The commission focuses on youth civic participation, the next generation of municipal leaders, support for young elected officials and awareness of youth-related issues within municipal councils.
Laporte was first elected as a municipal councillor in November 2025. Her new role will allow her to exchange ideas with young elected officials from other municipalities and contribute to discussions on democratic participation and political renewal. At a time when many communities are trying to increase public engagement among younger residents, this commission’s work has direct civic relevance.
Councillor Philippe Magnenat, who represents the Plan-Bouchard district, was elected to the UMQ’s Commission on Immigration. That commission examines the realities and challenges faced by municipalities in relation to immigration, regional attractiveness, sustainable development and successful integration.
Magnenat, originally from Switzerland, has lived in Blainville since 2002 and has been involved in immigration and diversity issues. He also contributed to the creation of a friendship pact between Blainville and the City of Neuchâtel. His participation on the commission connects local experience with broader provincial discussions about how municipalities welcome and integrate newcomers.
Other Blainville councillors already hold roles within UMQ commissions. David Malenfant, councillor for Côte-Saint-Louis, is a member of the Commission on Culture, Recreation and Community Life. Francis Allaire, councillor for Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, sits on the Commission on the Environment and Climate Change.
Together, these roles reflect the growing importance of municipal governments beyond roads, zoning and local services. Cities are now central actors in social inclusion, climate action, cultural life, youth engagement and democratic participation. For Blainville residents, the presence of several local elected officials within UMQ bodies may help ensure that the city’s perspectives are heard in province-wide municipal debates.
