“I thank everyone who has supported me since October 2018,” says Huntingdon MNA Claire IsaBelle, who announced Friday she will not be running in the upcoming provincial election.
In reflecting on her past decade of public life, IsaBelle says that while she is proud of her achievements it is time to turn the page. First elected to office in 2018, she has represented the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) in the Huntingdon riding for the past ten years. “I am especially proud to have been able to support the people of my riding in such a strong and concrete manner,” she says.
In a press release, the outgoing MNA notes she is pleased to have contributed to the advancement of several important projects. “We have made things happen,” IsaBelle says, while highlighting two early childcare centres (CPE) that have now opened after a long development process, as well as three more soon to be built, as key achievements. “In total, more than 500 new spaces have been created. As well, more than $50 million have been invested in improvements to elementary school grounds,” she says. The MNA is also especially happy to have been able to help the New Frontiers School Board offer the Health, Assistance and Nursing program at the Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre in Ormstown.
Among her achievements, IsaBelle also points to financial support for the conservation of farmland in the region, noting a collaboration between the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation to promote and support local vegetable production. She also points to the more than 10,000 households now able to access high speed internet services as a key gain for the riding. “Significant investments have also been made in many of our municipalities to substantially improve sports and recreational infrastructure,” she continues, suggesting equally important support was provided to improve the daily lives of senior citizens.
Upon leaving provincial politics, IsaBelle will return to her former career in research in education and as a professor at the university level. With 25 years of experience in the field of education, she will continue her work locally and abroad. “It is clear that current challenges are fuelling my passion for education more than ever,” she says, while thanking her husband and family for their encouragement since her election to office.
IsaBelle also extends her thanks to the elected officials and local decision makers for their collaboration in working together to serve the population. “My team and I have poured our hearts into meeting the needs and expectations of our citizens.”
Premier François Legault reacted to the news IsaBelle would be stepping back by praising her devotion and dedication to the CAQ and hard work to ensure the future of Quebec. “Claire has been with us since the creation of our party. Her commitment is remarkable and the passion with which she has served her citizens can only be saluted,” he says.
