Small Quebec municipality elects Canada's first openly transgender mayor

Julie Lemieux, the mayor of Tres-Saint-Redempteur, is seen in this image.

A small Quebec municipality between Montreal and Ottawa has elected what is believed to be Canada’s first openly transgender mayor.

Julie Lemieux is the new mayor of Tres-Saint-Redempteur, a community of 946 residents roughly 80 kilometres west of Montreal.

Lemieux grabbed 235 votes in the Nov. 5 election, while her counterparts Louise Blais and Jean Lalonde received 141 and 113 votes, respectively.

The 45-year-old served on the municipality's council for four years before running for mayor.

She is also the only female mayor in Tres-Saint-Redempteur's 137-year history.