Summary#
Montréal city council appointed Sarah-Maude Cossette, Kenza Chahlouni and Marie-Ève Voghel Robert as members of the Conseil des Montréalaises (Montréal Women’s Council), and Meryem Benslimane as its vice-president. The appointments fill a vacancy, renew two terms and fill a vice-president vacancy; the stated goal is to maintain the Council’s work and reflect Montréal’s diversity.
- Cossette’s first three-year term starts in August 2026, replacing Christina Nancy Eyangos, who resigned.
- Chahlouni’s second three-year term starts in August 2026; Voghel Robert’s starts in September 2026.
- Benslimane’s two-year term as vice-president starts in August 2026.
- Council thanked Eyangos for her contribution. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
What it means for you#
- Council members: The appointments fill the member vacancy and vice-president vacancy. City staff say the Council has 15 members, including a president and two vice-presidents.
- Residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, services or fees. The Council provides advice and recommendations to city council on women’s equality and women’s status.
- Taxpayers: The City continues to fund the Council’s operations.
Money#
The City funds the Conseil des Montréalaises in full, using permanent resources; no cost estimate for these appointments is provided.
- The materials describe Council members as volunteers, but give no specific cost for the appointments or the vice-president role.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not describe the vice-president’s specific duties or any change to the Council’s workload.
Case for#
- City staff say the appointments fill vacancies and support continuity in the Council’s work.
- Staff say Cossette was selected from a reserve list created through a public recruitment and selection process, with attention to Montréal’s diversity.
Case against#
No clear concern available from the supplied material.