Martine Beaugrand, recognized for her brief but impactful tenure as Laval's interim mayor, has passed away at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy marked by perseverance and commitment to her city. She rose to prominence following the downfall of the notorious Gilles Vaillancourt, who was embroiled in corruption scandals, making her the first woman to hold the position of mayorial office in Laval.
Her passing has been met with sadness and tributes from colleagues and constituents alike. Virginie Dufour, the current member of parliament for Mille-Îles, shared on social media, "C’est avec une immense tristesse que j’ai appris le décès de Martine Beaugrand." She expressed how Beaugrand’s leadership during turbulent times demonstrated her dedication and integrity, noting, "C’était une femme de cœur qui a su mener la Ville alors qu’elle était sous tutelle sans jamais tenter d’en faire des gains personnels." Dufour also reminisced about the valuable advice she received from Beaugrand during their interactions, emphasizing the impact she had on her career.
Beaugrand entered local politics by winning the Fabreville district during the 2009 elections as part of the PRO des Lavallois – Équipe Gilles Vaillancourt. Remarkably, amid the scandal-ridden administration, she and fellow councilor Francine Dubreuil stood apart, having never been linked to any of the illicit activities, such as money laundering and the use of dummy names, which plagued the Vaillancourt administration.
Her ascent to the mayoralty came during one of Laval's darkest hours. Following the resignation of Alexandre Duplessis, who left the position after facing allegations of sexual misconduct, the council nominated Beaugrand as interim mayor on July 3, 2013. Her appointment was significant, and she took the role with grace, facing the challenges of leading the city during such chaotic times.
Despite her efforts, Beaugrand's term lasted only four months, culminating with the municipal elections later in 2013, when she chose to step away from public office. Nonetheless, her contribution to the city remains influential, and she is remembered for her fairness and transparency.
Beaugrand’s funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, at the Complexe Les Espaces Memoria, located on Boulevard St-Martin, Laval. The family welcomes condolences from the community during this time of grief.
Her legacy goes beyond her political career — she was renowned for her strong character and dedication to Laval’s citizens. Many will recall her as a trailblazer and pioneer, breaking barriers for women in leadership roles within the region. Her impact on local governance will be discussed for years to come, marking her place not just as the first female mayor of Laval, but as someone who led with honor and respect.
Reflecting on renovations and the financial allocation toward community projects even after her departure from office, the local government continues to work on various initiatives aimed at enhancing the vitality of Laval. Recently, the city announced funding of $228,000 designated for twelve artistic and literary projects, showcasing how Beaugrand's influence encourages continuous support for culture and community creativity.
Others mourned her loss as well, recalling moments of collaboration, advice, and the positive influence she had on her colleagues and the youth of Laval. Many have stepped forward, recalling times when they sought her guidance or merely shared experiences over civic engagements.
The lasting memory of Martine Beaugrand will undoubtedly resonate throughout Laval as residents look back on her leadership, balancing integrity and compassion, and encouraging active participation within the community across various platforms.
Alongside remembering Martine's contributions to civic duty and community projects, it is worth noting the broader context of Laval's local governance, as it reflects the city's commitment to overcoming adversity and progressing toward greater inclusivity.
The community can gather on social media platforms, sharing memories of Martine and the influence she has had, ensuring her legacy endures beyond her time as mayor and remains alive within the hearts of many who loved and served alongside her.
Without question, Martine Beaugrand's life remains one of inspiration for women aspiring to take on roles of leadership, shattering glass ceilings, and redefining norms within municipal governance. Her story is indispensable to the narrative of Laval's evolution, providing future generations with a clear example of strong, principled leadership.