Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand Cancels Key International Missions Due to Health Reasons
In an unexpected turn of events, the Mayor of Quebec City, Bruno Marchand, has had to clear his schedule for the beginning of the week. Due to sudden health complications, the Mayor is currently bedridden and unable to fulfill several high-profile professional commitments, including a significant diplomatic mission to Europe.
Battling Early-Stage Pneumonia
Taking to his official Facebook page to inform the public, Bruno Marchand revealed that he is dealing with the early stages of pneumonia. He emphasized the importance of following medical advice to ensure a swift and full recovery.
“I will have to be absent for a few days to treat myself and rest,” wrote the Mayor. “The start of pneumonia is exhausting, and I must do everything possible to recover as quickly as possible.”
Missed International Opportunities: From Croatia to Spain
The timing of the illness is particularly challenging, as the Mayor was scheduled to lead several strategic initiatives abroad:
- The OVPM Mission in Croatia: Mr. Marchand was set to fly to Dubrovnik to chair the board of directors of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OVPM) from April 23 to 25. In his absence, the presidency will be handled by José María Bellido, the Mayor of Cordoba.
- Bloomberg City Lab in Madrid: A second leg of the trip to Spain was planned for April 27 to 29. This event is a crucial hub for exchanging best practices on urban priority themes such as sustainable mobility, housing, homelessness, and downtown economic revitalization.
While the Croatia trip is officially canceled, the Mayor’s office noted that a decision regarding the Madrid mission will be made later this week, depending on his health progress.
Ensuring Continuity in Quebec City
Beyond international travel, the health setback means Bruno Marchand will miss his second consecutive city council meeting, as well as the swearing-in of Christine Fréchette’s new Council of Ministers at the National Assembly.
To ensure that the administration of the City of Quebec continues to run smoothly, Deputy Mayor Catherine Vallières-Roland will step in to handle his local obligations and represent the city at the National Assembly.
The citizens of Quebec City and the international community wish Mayor Marchand a speedy recovery so he can return to leading the city’s ambitious urban projects.
