It is not worth it to take risks when you know that kids are more vulnerable to the virus,'' the mayor said Tuesday.

He said his staff will avoid organizing public gatherings during the campaign.

L'Ancienne-Lorette is home to 12,000 voters. It is one of 1,100 cities and towns in Quebec going to municipal elections at the start of the winter flu season.

However, provincial public health authorities don't agree with the mayor's drastic step. 'We are closely monitoring the evolution of the virus and we think the best way to prevent infection is still to have good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly,'' says health spokeswoman Dominique Breton.

In its flu advisory, Health Canada has recommended people to cover up coughs and sneezes with an arm, avoid physical contact with anyone who might be sick and stay home if showing signs of the flu.