In Clarence-Rockland’s Ward 6, a three-way race to succeed outgoing councillor Simon-Olivier Péladeau-Houle concluded with a decisive victory for France Daviault.

Securing 593 votes, Daviault finished ahead of Sarma Merdian (432 votes) and David Roy (179 votes). The newly elected councillor enters municipal politics following an extensive career in senior executive management, the non-profit sector, and community advocacy.

In an interview, Daviault reflected on the human dimension of running a municipal campaign, stepping into her role as the lone woman elected to council, and her vision for the term ahead.

The campaign trail
For her first municipal run, Daviault noted that the most meaningful lessons were learned directly on the doorsteps.

“The part of the campaign I enjoyed the most was having those truly important conversations with people, listening to what matters to them and why they love living here,” she said.

On the ground, she quickly sensed growing resident frustration regarding road maintenance, property taxes, and municipal services. Above all, she observed a significant communication gap.

“What struck me the most was how much confusion existed surrounding certain city files, and the information circulating was not always accurate,” she explained.

Direct dialogue with voters allowed her to build genuine human connections across the community, offering a productive space away from the friction that often marks online interactions.

Daviault noted that her family had expressed concern about entering public life, wary of toxic social media culture and misinformation. Instead, she chose to channel her focus into in-person encounters.

“People truly wanted to be heard, but there was also a genuine lack of information. When you take the time to discuss the facts, conversations become far more constructive,” she said. “The difference between what you saw online and the conversations on the ground was enormous. In person, even when we disagreed, people remained respectful. After a full day of canvassing—even while working full-time—it energized me.”

Lone female voice on council
Daviault will serve as the only female member at the Clarence-Rockland council table. While encouraged by the presence of five female candidates with diverse professional backgrounds running across the municipality, she expressed disappointment with the final outcome.

“To be completely honest, I was really disappointed to see that I would be the only woman around the council table,” she shared. Being the sole woman in leadership spaces is not an unfamiliar reality for Daviault. Throughout her executive career, she frequently found herself in similar positions. “I know what it’s like. I know how it can influence room dynamics, and I know the specific expectations it can generate,” she said.

While grateful for the mandate entrusted to her by voters, she dismisses the notion that one person can speak for an entire demographic.

“It’s impossible to speak on behalf of all women. We don’t come with the same life experiences, the same priorities, or the same political viewpoints, and I don’t claim to be a single voice for everyone,” she emphasized.
At the same time, Daviault embraces the positive responsibility that comes with visibility.

“I know my presence at the table can have a direct impact on other women and young girls who may not currently see themselves in politics. In that sense, yes, there is a responsibility to serve as a visible example of what is possible,” she said.

Noting gender parity gains in neighbouring municipalities, Daviault hopes Clarence-Rockland will examine its own long-standing underrepresentation.

“It’s a question we need to ask ourselves as a community: what can we do differently to encourage more women to get involved and get elected?” she added.

Term priorities
Looking ahead, Daviault’s immediate priority is establishing an independent, volunteer-led citizen advisory committee in Ward 6 to maintain regular, open communication with residents. In her first weeks, she also plans to work closely with the city’s chief administrative officer and the mayor to gain an in-depth understanding of municipal administration and upcoming budget procedures.

Over the long term, her focus centres on expanding Clarence-Rockland’s commercial and industrial tax base to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners.

“We are far too dependent on residential property taxes because we lack alternative revenue streams. That is why I want to see the expansion of an industrial park in Rockland,” she concluded.