Claude Bertrand

Motivation for running as a candidate:
Federal elections are often a brief period during which other parties suddenly become aware of environmental issues. However, once the election is over, there is only one party – the Green Party – that continues to remind us that climate change threatens us more than ever, whether through rising sea levels, extreme weather events (out-of-control wildfires, devastating tornadoes, droughts, destruction of biodiversity, etc.). As the Member of Parliament for Pontiac — Kitigan Zibi, I will be able to defend the interests of the constituency, as well as those of Canada and the environment that surrounds us.

Experience and Achievements:
I have been fortunate to have had two remarkable careers in distinct fields:
The first as a professional engineer, with 6 years in the private sector, followed by 10 years working for the federal government, where I managed an approval laboratory for Measurement Canada.

The second career allowed me to realize a childhood dream: becoming a pilot of airplanes and helicopters in the Canadian Armed Forces.
As a military pilot, I had several responsibilities:
a) Qualified flight instructor on training jets, a position in which I taught for 7 years.
b) Qualified helicopter pilot, deployed to Afghanistan where I conducted over 70 armed escort missions during a 9-month deployment.

In the 2019 elections, I also had the opportunity to run as a candidate for the Green Party in Pontiac.

Community Involvement:
As a volunteer, I have been involved locally. I co-founded the Amis des rapides de Deschênes in 1990 to fight against the construction of a controversial dam in Aylmer. I was also a co-founder of Friends / Amis du Lac Bernard in 2022, a group of Lake Bernard residents dedicated to environmental awareness and socio-cultural promotion.

Specific Actions I Will Take Once Elected:
I am committed to working tirelessly to improve the social and economic conditions of the people in my constituency, Pontiac — Kitigan Zibi.
The nuclear waste landfill site at Chalk River is a decision that future generations will regret. I will also firmly oppose any residential encroachment into the Gatineau Park territory.

I will contribute to the prosperity of Pontiac — Kitigan Zibi by supporting local businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, helping communities create more affordable housing, resisting the tariff wars, and promoting the consumption of local products.

My Vision for Canada and for Pontiac — Kitigan Zibi:
I see a place where it is good to live, where people have access to the housing and services they deserve. I see a society in which the Indigenous community is proud and prosperous. Finally, I see a Canada that remains resolutely independent from its southern neighbor.