# David Courtemanche

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**David Courtemanche** (born 7 April 1964) is a politician in [Ontario](/source/Ontario), Canada. He is the former [mayor](/source/Mayor) of [Greater Sudbury](/source/Greater_Sudbury), having served one term from 2003 to 2006.

## Background

Courtemanche was raised in West End, Sudbury Ontario. A former student of St. Charles College, he played [hockey](/source/Ice_hockey) for the [Sudbury Wolves](/source/Sudbury_Wolves) and the [Kingston Canadians](/source/Kingston_Canadians). Though given a tryout with the [New York Rangers](/source/New_York_Rangers) he chose not to pursue hockey as a career. He completed a degree in Political Studies at the [University of Guelph](/source/University_of_Guelph).[1] Courtemanche later returned to Sudbury and worked as a consultant.[2] He was the executive director of Sudbury Heart Health from 1992 to 1997 and was a founding member of Earthcare Sudbury, a partnership between the city and various local agencies in support of a sustainable environmental policy.[3]

## Councillor

Courtemanche was elected to the [Sudbury City Council](/source/Sudbury_City_Council) in the [1997 municipal election](/source/1997_Sudbury_municipal_election) and was subsequently appointed as a city representative to the Sudbury Regional Council. He chaired the region's Planning and Development Committee,[4] and was part of a group that developed Sudbury's first comprehensive arts policy.[5] He supported the introduction of a [Business Improvement Area](/source/Business_Improvement_Area),[6] and brought forward an unsuccessful motion to deregulate the city's shopping hours in 1999.[7]

Sudbury and its suburban municipalities were amalgamated into the city of Greater Sudbury in 2000. During the transition period Courtemanche was strongly critical of a plan for the new city councillors to be designated as part-time rather than full-time workers. He argued that the demands on councillors would be greater after amalgamation and that part-time status would result in bureaucrats controlling city hall.[8]

Courtemanche was re-elected in the [2000 municipal election](/source/2000_Greater_Sudbury_municipal_election), winning a seat in the new city's sixth ward. During this campaign he called for a strategic growth model approach to municipal infrastructure that would benefit the entire city.[9] He was appointed to the board of the Nickel District Conservation Authority in March 2001,[10] and later co-chaired a Mayor's Task Force on Volunteerism and Community Involvement, which led to the development of Community Action Networks.[11] Courtemanche also served on the board of directors of the [Federation of Canadian Municipalities](/source/Federation_of_Canadian_Municipalities) and was appointed to chair Greater Sudbury's Priorities Committee in December 2002.[12]

In 2002, Courtemanche proposed that Greater Sudbury's largest park be named after former [prime minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Canada) [Pierre Elliott Trudeau](/source/Pierre_Elliott_Trudeau).[13] He later brought forward a motion to fly the Franco-Ontarian flag at Tom Davies' Square.[14]

## Mayoralty

Courtemanche was elected mayor of Greater Sudbury in the [2003 municipal election](/source/2003_Greater_Sudbury_municipal_election) after the retirement of incumbent [Jim Gordon](/source/Jim_Gordon_(politician)). At 39 years old Courtemanche was the youngest elected mayor in the history of Sudbury.[15] His "Campaign for Change" was highlighted by promises of [sustainable growth](/source/Sustainable_growth) and collaborative leadership.[16] Courtemanche led in the polls for much of the campaign,[17] and defeated local businessman [Paul Marleau](/source/Paul_Marleau) and 12 other opponents on election day. (Only [Toronto](/source/Toronto), with 44 candidates, had a larger mayoralty contest.) Following his election, Courtemanche said that he would seek a non-confrontational civil service and better relations with unions and management.[18] A local editorial described him as a candidate who "always seems to naturally find the high road and knows how to stay there".[19]

During his first year as mayor Courtemanche increased the role of public consultation in Greater Sudbury's budgetary and planning processes.[20] He sought to limit average tax increases to 7%, but ultimately introduced a budget with 7.5% increases.[21] Later that year a cut in education taxes reduced property tax rates by about 3%.[22]

In his inauguration speech Courtemanche promised to change the municipal government's senior management structure. He reiterated this pledge after difficulties with his first budget.[23] Three senior staff positions were cut later in the year.[24] The *Sudbury Star* newspaper criticized the mayor's restructuring plan, arguing that it was not conducted in an open and accountable manner.[25] Courtemanche later engaged in a public dispute with councillor [Lynne Reynolds](/source/Lynne_Reynolds) over this and other aspects of his leadership.[26]

Courtemanche worked with councillor [Janet Gasparini](/source/Janet_Gasparini) on programs targeting [homelessness](/source/Homelessness).[27] He also supported [wind power](/source/Wind_power) investment,[28] and sought to develop Greater Sudbury as an attractive destination for senior citizens.[29] In May 2004, the City of Greater Sudbury received an environmental award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and CH2M Hill Canada for its EarthCare Sudbury Local Action Plan.[30] Despite complaints from some business owners, Courtemanche did not change the city's strict anti-smoking bylaw.[31] He again sought to remove Greater Sudbury's shopping hours bylaw in 2004, without success.[32] He helped introduce a municipal health strategy in 2005, after a national survey showed that Sudburians were living shorter lives and were at higher risk of cardiovascular disease than other urban Canadians.[33] Courtemanche launched the Mysudbury.ca web portal in March 2005,[34] and helped to introduce a [Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI)](/source/Centre_for_Excellence_in_Mining_Innovation_(CEMI)) in the city.[35] Late in his term, he introduced a pilot project to encourage the use of energy efficient products.[36]

In early 2004 Courtemanche met with the mayors of [North Bay](/source/North_Bay,_Ontario), [Timmins](/source/Timmins), [Thunder Bay](/source/Thunder_Bay) and [Sault Ste. Marie](/source/Sault_Ste._Marie,_Ontario) to seek a new deal with senior levels of government for investment in [Northern Ontario](/source/Northern_Ontario).[37] The mayors called on the provincial government to solve some of southern Ontario's long-term problems (such as gridlock, air pollution and failing infrastructure) by shifting the focus of development to the north.[38] Greater Sudbury received a significant increase in provincial government transfers in 2006.[39] Courtemanche also lobbied the federal government on the importance of immigration to rural and peripheral regions.[40] He represented his city at the opening of the [Northern Ontario School of Medicine](/source/Northern_Ontario_School_of_Medicine), which has twin campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury.[41]

Workers at Greater Sudbury Utilities (GSU) Inc. took part in an extended strike in 2004, in a dispute over retiree benefits. Courtemanche met [Canadian Union of Public Employees](/source/Canadian_Union_of_Public_Employees) Ontario leader [Sid Ryan](/source/Sid_Ryan) in September of that year, which brought about a resumption of face-to-face bargaining.[42] The strike ended a month later. Courtemanche later called on [Hydro One](/source/Hydro_One) to turn over its assets and customers to GSU believing that the city could provide better services for lower rates.[43]

In 2006, Courtemanche appointed former provincial [cabinet minister](/source/Cabinet_minister) [Floyd Laughren](/source/Floyd_Laughren) to head a local committee stemming from complaints about amalgamation of Greater Sudbury six years earlier. Several residents in outlying areas had previously signed a petition calling for a referendum on de-amalgamation.[44]

Courtemanche was defeated in the [2006 municipal election](/source/2006_Greater_Sudbury_municipal_election), losing to former [Member of Parliament](/source/Member_of_Parliament) (MP) [John Rodriguez](/source/John_Rodriguez_(politician)). The local media noted that he failed to inspire voters, and did not effectively counter Rodriguez's populist appeal.[45] Courtemanche later acknowledged that he turned down his team's advice to take a more aggressive approach, arguing that it was not his style.[46]

Courtemanche was mayor during a period of economic growth, which continued into the tenure of his successor.[47]

## Since 2006

Courtemanche returned to his consulting firm, Leading Minds Inc. In June 2008 he was named executive director for the City of Lakes Family Health Team (FHT), a primary health care initiative in Sudbury.[48]

## Electoral record

Courtemanche was first elected to the Sudbury city council in 1997.

The 2000 and 2003 results are taken from the *Sudbury Star* newspaper. The 2006 result is provided by the City of Greater Sudbury.

## References

1. Roy MacGregor, "The Suburban Toronto Smile", *Toronto Star*, 13 March 2004, A6.

1. Debbie Shipley, "Ward 6 hopefuls bring experience", *Sudbury Star*, 11 November 2000, A3l; Bob Vaillancourt, "Courtemanche to bring 'passion' to campaign for mayor's job", *Sudbury Star*, 9 May 2003, A5.

1. "Courtemanche to lead key city committee", *Sudbury Star*, 17 December 2002, A3; Rob O'Flanagan, "Courtemanche redefining leadership", *Sudbury Star*, 10 November 2006, A10.

1. "Planning group says no to Tim Hortons", *Sudbury Star*, 2 March 2000, A3.

1. Rob O'Flanagan, "New policy seeks a higher profile for Sudbury's arts", *Sudbury Star*, 11 January 2000, A3.

1. Jim Brown, "New Sudbury businesses pitched on benefits of forming a BIA", *Sudbury Star*, 1 February 2000

1. Terry Pender, "Store hours debate angers workers: 'It's time to put the hammer down on city council'", *Sudbury Star*, 23 November 1999, A3; Rob O'Flanagan, "Battle lines drawn in store hours debate", *Sudbury Star*, 7 December 1999, A1.

1. Denis St. Pierre, "City councillor blasts changes to new council", *Sudbury Star*, 12 June 2000, A3.

1. Chris Polehoykie, "Ward 6 debate puts focus on water, roads", *Sudbury Star*, 7 November 2000, A1.

1. "Bradley to chair NDCA board", *Sudbury Star*, 8 March 2001, A3.

1. Robert Keir, "Citizens have role to play in Gordon's offer", *Sudbury Star*, 30 June 2001, A2; Laura Stradiotto, "City works to establish community 'triangles"", *Sudbury Star*, 27 March 2003, A3.

1. "Courtemanche to lead key city committee", *Sudbury Star*, 17 December 2002, A3.

1. "Trudeau Park a fitting name", *Sudbury Star*, 20 March 2002, A8.

1. "How City Councillors Voted", *Sudbury Star*, 26 April 2003, A3; Danielle Emond-Theriault, "Franco-Ontarian flag should be cultural debate, not political", *Sudbury Star*, 14 May 2003, A9.

1. ["Mayor will run again"](http://www.northernlife.ca/News/LocalNews/2006/09-11-06-mayorTOP.asp?NLStory=09-11-06-mayorTOP) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120308082005/http://www.northernlife.ca/News/LocalNews/2006/09-11-06-mayorTOP.asp?NLStory=09-11-06-mayorTOP) 8 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, "Northern Life", 12 September 2006.

1. Carol Mulligan, "Candidates make their case", *Sudbury Star*, 4 November 2003, A1; "Mayoralty forum: Where they stand on the issues of the day", *Sudbury Star*, 7 November 2003, A10.

1. For instance, see Bob Vaillancourt, "Finish line within sight for candidates", *Sudbury Star*, 10 November 2003, A1.

1. Denis St. Pierre, "He'll be a very different mayor", *Sudbury Star*, 11 November 2003, A1.

1. Mike Whitehouse, "Two Pauls", *Sudbury Star*, 15 November 2008, A8.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Budget input begins mid-January", *Sudbury Star*, 20 December 2003, A5; "Sudbury holds input sessions for city's first official plan", *Sudbury Star*, 20 January 2004, A9; Bob Vaillancourt, "City councillors declare public budget-input sessions a success", *Sudbury Star*, 28 January 2004, A5; "The people's budget: Already, this year's city budget is an improvement over last year's", *Sudbury Star*, 19 February 2004, A8.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Council did 'a great job'", *Sudbury Star*, 16 August 2004, A5.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Surprise break for city taxpayers", *Sudbury Star*, 13 May 2004, A1.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Shake up of senior city staff on the way", *Sudbury Star*, 22 July 2004, A1.

1. Laura Stradiotto, "City to cut three senior staff positions", *Sudbury Star*, 17 December 2004, A1.

1. "An effective city: Mayor's plan to streamline city seems fine, but its execution is wanting" [editorial], *Sudbury Star*, 9 March 2005, A8.

1. Denis St. Pierre, "Reynolds tired of council's 'bumblings'", *Sudbury Star*, 28 January 2005, A1; "Excerpts from mayor's criticism of Reynolds", *Sudbury Star*, 25 November 2005, A2; Denis St. Pierre, "Mayor lashes out at councillor for 'irresponsible' letter", *Sudbury Star*, 25 November 2005, A1.

1. Tamsin McMahon, "Sudbury mayor makes case for homeless", *Kingston Whig-Standard*, 22 April 2004, A5.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Mayor bullish on wind power", *Sudbury Star*, 9 April 2004, A3.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "City takes steps to attract more seniors", *Sudbury Star*, 28 May 2004, A5; "City targets seniors in 2005", *Sudbury Star*, 31 December 2004

1. "Sudbury's green efforts recognized", *Sudbury Star*, 26 May 2004, A2.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Mayor stands his ground", *Sudbury Star*, 28 May 2004, A3.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "Council set to debate store hours ... again", *Sudbury Star*, 21 June 2004, A1; Frances Caldarelli, Janet Gasparini and Lynne Reynolds, "Not all of council pleased with result" [letter], *Sudbury Star*, 27 July 2004, A9.

1. Laura Stradiotto, "Panel to find ways to make us healthier", *Sudbury Star*, 16 December 2004, A1; "Becoming a healthy city", *Sudbury Star*, 2 July 2005, A10.

1. Nick Stewart, "Web portal to bring community closer together", *Sudbury Star*, 30 March 2005, A3.

1. Denis St. Pierre, "City endorses mining centre: CEMI project has earned support throughout community", *Sudbury Star*, 18 January 2006, A8.

1. "Sudbury plugs into energy program", *Sudbury Star*, 12 June 2006, A5.

1. Laura Stradiotto, "Northern Ontario wants 'new deal'", *Sudbury Star*, 13 February 2004, A3; "Mayors to develop action plan for the North", *Northern Ontario Business*, March 2004, p. 6.

1. Dave Dale, "North's mayors offer 'economic solution'", *Sudbury Star*, 16 September 2004, B12.

1. "Province 'listened,' mayor says", *Sudbury Star*, 1 February 2006, A3.

1. "Mayor talks about immigration", *Sudbury Star*, 30 April 2005, A2.

1. Carol Mulligan, "A new day for the North", *Sudbury Star*, 14 September 2005, A1.

1. Bob Vaillancourt, "GSU strike could end in days", *Sudbury Star*, 1 October 2004, A1; "GSU, union to meet", *Sudbury Star*, 8 October 2004, A6.

1. Denis St. Pierre, "Hydro One customers pay too much", *Sudbury Star*, 14 January 2006, A1.

1. Robert J. Keir, "Committee will report too late for vote", *Sudbury Star*, 15 May 2006, A11.

1. "Monday's debate was no snoozer" [editorial], *Sudbury Star*, 18 October 2006, A10; Rob O'Flanagan, "Courtemanche keeps his cool at fiery debate", *Sudbury Star*, 25 October 2006, A5; "Courtemanche needs to step up" [editorial], *Sudbury Star*, 3 November 2006, A6; Denis St. Pierre, "Our reluctant, but passionate, mayor", *Sudbury Star*, 10 November 2006, A3.

1. Rob O'Flanagan, "Incumbent gracious in defeat", *Sudbury Star*, 14 November 2006, A3.

1. Marek Krasuski, "City's economy is red hot: mayor", *Sudbury Star*, 18 September 2004, A1; Rob O'Flanagan, "Courtemanche redefining leadership", *Sudbury Star*, 10 November 2006, A10.

1. ["Courtemanche to be project manager of Family Health Team"](http://www.northernlife.ca/News/LocalNews/2007/07-25-07-courtemanche.asp?NLStory=07-25-07-courtemanche) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120308082009/http://www.northernlife.ca/News/LocalNews/2007/07-25-07-courtemanche.asp?NLStory=07-25-07-courtemanche) 8 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Northern Life, 25 July 2007. Retrieved 9 September 2008; "Already helping 1,400 who had no physician", *Sudbury Star*, 2008; Carol Mulligan, "Easing the city's doctor shortage", *Sudbury Star*, 31 July 2008, A1.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [David Courtemanche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Courtemanche) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Courtemanche?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.