Dear Editor, 

As an elected official, I believe it is our duty to work together for the well-being and safety of our residents. 

The cost of fire services in the Pontiac are up 420 per cent since 2002 and the residents are paying for it. In this context, the Municipality of Mansfield-et-Pontefract recently proposed a collaboration to the Municipality of Waltham and held meetings with the outgoing Mayor of Fort-Coulonge as well as the director general, at their request, to explore the possibility of receiving a $350,000 grant from the MAMH to support the merging of fire services of both municipalities.

Different collaboration scenarios were calculated. On two occasions, however, we were informed to end the process with Fort-Coulonge. For Waltham, a calculation had been made based on a $350,000 grant (spread over three years) from the MAMH, if the services were to merge. Our discussions did not bear fruit though, as the Waltham council refused to move forward. 

The Ministry of Public Security had, however, drawn up maps for the entire Pontiac, showing faster response times and a better adapted strike force to ensure safe operations. It should be noted that a fire chief may adjust these maps but must be able to justify their choices if problems arise.

I wish to reaffirm that the Municipality of Mansfield-et-Pontefract remains open to working with neighboring municipalities to make our fire services more affordable, and less of a burden on taxpayers. Our goal is always to find sustainable, safe, and fair solutions for our citizens. 

Sandra Armstrong

Mayor of Mansfield-et-Pontefract