November 2, 2009

Montreal will not face trusteeship despite construction corruption allegations: Charest

MONTREAL

Canada’s second-biggest city will not be placed under trusteeship. Quebec Premier Jean Charest has announced the province won’t be taking over Montreal in response to a major corruption scandal. But the Charest government says it will clean up the process of awarding municipal contracts across the province.

The comments come amid a flurry of activity the week after Montreal’s mayor was re-elected despite staggering allegations of corruption at city hall.

Montrealers gave Mayor Gerald Tremblay a third term, this after reports that construction companies, in collusion with the Italian Mafia, are funding political parties and boosting the cost of building projects.

Quebec’s elections body has also announced it will hold a citizen’s forum on political fundraising, raising the prospect of changes to the way parties are financed.

A newspaper report had said the province might place Montreal under trusteeship to limit its control in awarding contracts.

But Charest says the province is not about to go that far.

Quebec has instead created a special police unit, and is promising legislative changes to change the way contracts are awarded.

Canadian Press

Print | Email | Comment