Quebec town mayor vows not to talk about Trump following backlash over supportive remarks

The mayor of Louiseville, Que., Yvon Deshaies, recently found himself in a controversy over his public support of U.S. President Donald Trump. Deshaies, who had expressed admiration for Trump despite the potential tariff threats that could adversely affect businesses in his municipality, faced criticism from residents and local businesses.

In a video posted on the City of Louiseville’s Facebook page, Deshaies addressed the issue and stated that his residents are his top priority. He acknowledged that his previous statements had provoked a negative reaction and pledged to refrain from making any further comments about the American president. Deshaies emphasized that he is against any tariffs or decisions that could harm Louiseville’s economy.

The mayor’s decision to step back from discussing Trump came after Meubles Canadel, a prominent family-owned furniture business in Louiseville, considered withdrawing a $150,000 contribution for the town’s boulodrome project. Additionally, Jean Deveault, a retired former vice-president of Canadel, announced that he would personally withhold his donations to the city, totaling around $11,000 for the upcoming year, citing Deshaies’ controversial statements as the reason for his actions.

Deshaies’ move to distance himself from discussing Trump reflects a desire to prioritize the well-being of Louiseville and its economy. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of public statements made by officials on local businesses and community relationships. Moving forward, the mayor’s focus will be on promoting unity and prosperity within Louiseville, steering clear of divisive political discussions that could potentially harm the town’s economic interests.