A proposed code of ethics for Montreal city councillors is too weak, says the city's official opposition, which made a number of amendments to the document at a city council meeting on Monday evening.
The proposed guidelines, tabled by Mayor Gerald Tremblay, are aimed at preventing conflicts of interest among municipal politicians. Police are currently investigating a number of city files including a massive water-meter contract as well as ongoing work to replace the roof at City Hall.
Benoit Labonte of Vision Montreal says the guidelines should include an ethics commissioner and sanctions to prevent improprieties.
"In our view, it's weak," said Labonte.
"It's certainly not strong enough to address the ethics problems raised over the past few months."
City defends proposal
Snowdon city councillor Marvin Rotrand defends the city's proposed plan, and criticized Labonte for his tactics.
"Mr. Labonte's tactics, instead of articulating a vision for Montreal's future, is to yell 'Corruption! Corruption!' every five minutes to convince everyone that things aren't going well at City Hall. It's not the case, but those are his tactics," said Rotrand.
Council controversies
Tremblay's administration has been scrutinized for alleged conflicts of interest, including awarding the $355 million water-meter contract to a consortium of companies including one owned by entrepreneur Tony Accurso.
Former executive committee member Frank Zampino admitted he accepted an invitation to spend time on Accurso's yacht while the water meter contract was up for tender.
Councillors Sammy Forcillo and Cosmo Maciocia came under fire in June after La Presse reported that a mobster asked contractor Paul Sauve to pay off two city councillors to guarantee the city hall roof contract.
Sauve says he never paid the bribe.
The proposed ethics code will go to the executive committee, which can make further revisions and bring it back to council.
The code could be adopted in the fall.
