Clarence-Rockland Ward 3 residents will have a new choice on the ballot, as Mathieu Gervais enters the municipal race with a focus on economic growth, responsible spending, and listening to residents.
Gervais was born in Bourget and has lived in Clarence-Rockland’s Ward 3 for the past 10 years. With strong family ties to the region, he says his connection to the community runs deep. He is also a father of two young daughters, ages 7 and 5.
A bilingual resident, Gervais says overcoming challenges throughout his life has shaped the way he approaches problem-solving. Diagnosed with dyslexia, he says he learned early on the importance of perseverance, finding solutions, and continuing to improve.
“I’ve always had to work harder than others to accomplish my goals,” Gervais says. “My strength, my can-do attitude, and my fight to get better have guided me through my life.”
Outside of work and politics, Gervais has a strong passion for animals. He has fostered several dogs and has worked with rescue organizations, including Humane Society International. One of his rescued dogs, Adria, a Jindo from South Korea, became a permanent member of his family.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Gervais brings more than two decades of experience in the automotive repair industry. He currently works as an automotive operations manager, with a background focused on customer service, business growth, and operations.
He says his career started at the bottom, washing floors, before working his way through different roles and gaining experience in every aspect of the industry.
“Over the last 23 years, I’ve seen all sides of this business and how we’ve evolved with technology and how we serve customers,” he says.
Gervais believes that experience has given him the skills needed to help make Clarence-Rockland more welcoming for businesses and entrepreneurs.
He says his leadership style is based on teamwork rather than a traditional “boss” mentality.
“I don’t believe in a boss mentality. I believe we all need to be coaches and grow everyone around us, because we all bring something different to the table.”
Why He’s Running
For Gervais, the decision to run comes from wanting to create a stronger future for his family and the community.
As a father, he says he wants his daughters to have more reasons to stay in Clarence-Rockland as they grow older.
“We need to encourage more creative entrepreneurs and businesses to keep our population entertained,” he says.
Gervais says the municipality should focus on attracting more restaurants, dealerships, services, and other businesses so residents don’t have to leave the community to spend their money elsewhere.
He believes creating a stronger local economy could also help support the municipality’s financial needs as new housing developments continue.
“We need to start asking ourselves, why can’t this business be in Rockland?” he says.
Key Priorities for Ward 3
Gervais says his campaign will focus on three main areas:
1. Growing local business and supporting entrepreneurs
He wants Clarence-Rockland to become more business-friendly while supporting existing businesses and encouraging new investment.
While Ward 3 is largely residential and developed, Gervais says there are still opportunities to improve services and bring more businesses to support residents.
2. Making the most of taxpayer dollars
Gervais says residents need to see their tax dollars focused on priorities such as roads, transit, public safety, and water infrastructure.
He also believes the municipality needs to look for additional sources of revenue beyond residential property taxes.
3. Listening to residents and adapting to change
Gervais says council needs to stay connected with residents beyond election season.
“I really want to hear what residents are feeling, the hardships they have with the municipality, and work on those issues,” he says.
He adds that municipalities need to be willing to adapt and try new approaches as communities grow.
“Councillors represent a ward, but we work for the entire municipality.”
Gervais says his goal is to continue hearing from residents every day, not just during an election campaign.
Residents can contact Mathieu Gervais at mathieu.clarencerockland@gmail.com.