The Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) launched its annual electoral summit in Quebec City on September 18, 2026, without the presence of Montreal's mayor. The gathering, which traditionally convenes municipal leaders from across the province, opened its sessions as scheduled while the mayor of Montreal remained absent.
The summit, held each year in Quebec City, serves as a forum for municipal officials to discuss upcoming elections, share best practices, and coordinate strategies relevant to local governance. Representatives from various municipalities arrived to participate in the opening day, marking the commencement of the multi‑day event.
While the mayor of Montreal was not among the attendees, the summit proceeded with its planned agenda, featuring introductions, briefings, and networking opportunities for the assembled officials. Organizers noted that the event's schedule continued as intended, providing a platform for municipal participants to engage on electoral matters.
The UMQ's annual summit has become a regular fixture on the provincial municipal calendar, drawing participants from urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. Its focus on electoral processes aims to prepare municipalities for upcoming voting cycles and to foster collaboration among Quebec's local governments.
Montreal's mayoral office did not issue a public statement regarding the absence, and no further details were released about the reason for the non‑attendance. The summit's continuation underscores the UMQ's commitment to maintaining its electoral dialogue among the province's municipalities despite individual absences.