Montreal's new ethics hotline is now up and running, two months after city council adopted a new code of ethics.
The number, 1-866-232-8803, is for city staff and contractors, not for the public.
The hotline came about following a series of scandals that embroiled city hall this year, several of which have led to police investigations.
Montreal's auditor-general, Jacques Bergeron, has launched measures to report on abuse and fraud.
Employees, councillors, suppliers and the public who uncover any irregularities are encouraged to report them to the hotline. There is also a secure website that can be accessed by clicking on the link to the right.
The auditor-general will investigate complaints.
"We're not encouraging people to snitch on their neighbours," says city councillor Marvin Rotrand, who doubles as the city's ethics councillor.
"But if people do have evidence of wrongdoing or evidence of something that might be outside the rules, we'd like to know about it."
Scandals
Chief among the scandals is mismanagement of the $355 million water-meter contract, the largest in the history of Montreal.
Mayor Gerald Tremblay is cancelling the contract after an auditor's report highlighted cost overruns and poor oversight.
Two city managers have left their posts and the Surete du Quebec is investigating the deal.
There have also been kickback allegations surrounding a contract to replace the city hall roof.
