Mayor of New Brunswick municipality resigns suddenly

New Year’s Eve will be the last day in office for the mayor of Fundy Albert, N.B.

Mayor Rob Rochon posted his resignation letter on social media Friday. In the post he said he’s done all he can to serve the rural community with dedication, honesty and integrity since he became mayor in 2022.

“It has become clear to me that I no longer have the confidence and trust of members of this council. Without that, I am ineffective as mayor,” Rochon said. “After a great deal of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is in everyone’s best interest for me to step aside and allow someone else to assume this role.”

Rochon said he expected challenges when he decided to run for mayor and felt he had the necessary experience to guide local government through a period of uncertainty.

“Little did I realize how turbulent the next two years would be,” he said.

The province did little to help the municipality “navigate the many obstacles” – such as complex budgets and infrastructure issues – that came after several rural New Brunswick communities amalgamated in 2023, Rochon said.

“In the end, we were left to our own devices with little or no assistance, or guidance from provincial government,” Rochon said. “This whole experience has been difficult on everyone, including members of council, Fundy Albert’s municipal employees and constituents.”

In an email to CTV News, Department of Local Government spokesperson Clarissa Andersen said following amalgamation in 2022, many online and in-person orientation sessions were held for new councils.

“The Department of Environment and Local Government remains committed to providing advice, guidance and additional training and support opportunities to all local governments,” said Andersen. 

Rochon said he plans to find other ways to serve the community.

“I can no longer continue as mayor in a climate of growing doubt and mistrust,” he said.

Fundy Albert Deputy Mayor John Ereaux said Rochon read the letter to council during a meeting last Thursday.

“It came as a shock to myself and I believe all of council,” said Ereaux.

Fundy Albert Deputy Mayor John Ereaux is pictured. (Source: Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

The deputy mayor will fulfill the duties until a new mayor is elected in the next byelection, Ereaux said.

“He’s actually still the mayor according to his resignation letter. He will officially resign at the end of the day tomorrow. So starting in the new year the council will continue to do their best to provide good government for the community,” said Ereaux.

When asked if he shares the same views about amalgamation and the provincial government, Ereaux said in large measure he agrees with Rochon.

“It’s a very challenging environment that we found ourselves in and it continues to be challenging. It’s exhausting, really,” said Ereaux.

The municipality of Fundy Albert has around 6,000 residents and stretches from the outskirts of Riverview all the way to Alma, and contains many of the province’s top tourist attractions like Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks.

“The geographical challenges are immense, but that’s not the only challenge. It’s the challenges of bringing together the community that has different expectations and different tax rates for largely the same services,” Ereaux said. 

A sign to Alma, N.B., is pictured. (Source: Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

Rochon, who said he had hoped to continue as mayor until the end of his term in 2026, extended his appreciation to municipal employees.

Rochon declined an interview request with CTV but said he wishes the municipality well going forward.

“I’m optimistic about the future of our community,” said Rochon.

Ereaux said all of council feels a great deal of thanks to Rochon’s service and commitment to the community.

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