Sherbrooke mayor on leave for 'undetermined period'

Évelyne Beaudin is suspending her activities as the mayor of Sherbrooke and will be on leave for an "undetermined period," according to the city. 

The city announced that the decision was taken on the advice of her doctor.

Deputy mayor, Raïs Kibonge, will fill in for the 35-year-old in her absence.

In 2021, Beaudin became the first female mayor in Sherbrooke's 169-year history, part of a youth wave that swept the city halls of five of Quebec's biggest municipalities.

In a letter read by Kibonge, Beaudin said that the decision to go on leave was difficult, but the city is in "good hands."  

"You may have seen me in recent days at public or private events and thought I looked good. That may have been the case; nevertheless, we must never forget that in politics, we are more often than not in situations that require us to perform," said Beaudin in the letter. 

"It seems a wise decision at this time, as I want to avoid a state of exhaustion that would be too great and too difficult to overcome."

She said she hopes her leave won't be "too long." 

"I can't and I don't want to pinpoint any particular cause for the situation," said Beaudin. "Being your mayor is both the most extraordinary and the most difficult thing that has happened in my life."

Sherbrooke's city manager, Éric Sévigny, said in the release that municipal council and the administration are working together to ensure that this transition and change of leadership doesn't affect services. 

Kibonge said his thoughts are with Beaudin in "her recovery." 

"What we're going through today reminds us that each of us can be faced with moments when we have to make difficult decisions for our personal and professional well-being and for those around us," said Kibonge.