Canada's 1st trans mayor elected in western Quebec village
Julie Lemieux says voters in Très-Saint-Redempteur wanted change and put 'skills before status'
The small village of Très-Saint-Redempteur, Que., near the Ontario border, is known for its towering historical Catholic church — and now, for being home to Canada’s first openly transgender mayor.
The election of Julie Lemieux last Sunday flew under the radar as the surprising victory of Valérie Plante, Montreal’s first elected woman mayor, stole the headlines.
“People needed renewal in the village, and they decided to choose me to incarnate that change,” said Lemieux, who won 48 per cent of the Très-Saint-Redempteur vote in the Nov. 5 provincewide municipal elections.