Julie Dufour, who previously served as the mayor of Saguenay, was found guilty of a fraudulent electoral maneuver by Judge Louis Duguay. Following her conviction, she was fined $5,000 and faced a five-year prohibition from voting or running in elections. Despite these legal challenges, Dufour participated in the last municipal election, securing 2.46% of the vote.

Details of the Appeal

The appeal is set to be heard on May 13, 2026, at the Chicoutimi courthouse. Me Charles Levasseur represents Dufour in this legal battle, arguing that the appeal will focus on the evaluation of evidence presented during the initial trial. Specifically, the appeal challenges the reliability of witness testimony that was instrumental in the conviction.

City’s Position on Legal Fees

In a related development, the City of Saguenay has decided not to cover Dufour’s legal fees, which are estimated to be around $100,000. This decision has raised questions about the city’s financial management, especially considering that significant legal expenses are being billed to the municipality.

Reactions from Key Parties

Levasseur expressed his confidence in Dufour’s innocence, stating, “I am deeply convinced that Julie Dufour did not commit an offence.” This sentiment underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the case and the implications of the appeal. Meanwhile, observers note that if the appeal is rejected, the conviction will be confirmed, solidifying the legal repercussions for Dufour.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The appeal hearing will involve one hour of pleadings from both sides, after which Judge Maxime Roy is expected to deliberate. However, the duration of his deliberation remains unclear, leaving stakeholders awaiting a decision that could impact Dufour’s political future.

In light of the legal expenses related to Dufour’s case, city officials have indicated that the large legal items and two major dossiers will be paid from reserves, which are projected to be $41 million in 2024, up from $23 million in 2021. Michel Potvin, a city official, noted, “The council’s choice does not affect my mandate from my client,” emphasizing the separation between the city’s financial decisions and Dufour’s legal representation.

As the appeal date approaches, the case continues to draw attention from the public and media alike. Observers are keen to see how the court will respond to the arguments presented and what the implications will be for Dufour and the City of Saguenay. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for Judge Roy’s deliberation after the oral arguments on May 13.

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