Statement regarding sentencing of J.C. Lamarche

On May 7, Mr. Jason Claude Lamarche was found guilty of uttering death threats and criminal harassment towards me.

I want to thank Justice Lipson, the Crown Attorney’s office, and the Ottawa Police Service for the seriousness, professionalism, and thoroughness with which they handled this case. They remained focused on the facts and ensured the impartiality and fairness of our legal system.

These threats were not political disagreement, nor were they rooted in policy differences. They were personal, targeted, and explicitly hostile toward my identity as a francophone female elected official. In a bilingual city and country, no one should ever be threatened, harassed, or made to feel unsafe because of their job, gender, or the language they speak.

This outcome is meaningful because it affirms that threats of violence and criminal harassment have real consequences, and because too often, women who come forward do not get to see this kind of outcome. I will be providing a victim impact statement at sentencing, and I am deeply grateful to Isabelle Lerebours and the Victim Witness Assistance Program for her care, guidance, and support throughout this process.

This post is also available in French.