Valerie Plante just published her tax returns. Should the other mayoral candidates do the same?
Election day is looming and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has chosen to reveal the details of her tax returns, dating back to 2017.
"Montrealers know that with us, there is no hiding," the mayor stated. "The release of my tax returns, as we do at each election, reflects the integrity and lack of conflict of interest of our team and I encourage other candidates to do the same."
The Projet Montréal leader's returns show that in 2020, she had an income totalling $184,297.49, including $181,084.94 in employment and $28,740 in gross income from a rental property.
Former mayor Denis Coderre has already said he refuses to share his tax returns ahead of the election, promising only to do so if elected.
"Mr. Coderre will unveil his tax returns after the elections, as required by law," explained Ensemble Montréal spokesperson Elizabeth Lemay. "It is important to understand that it has confidentiality clauses with employers that cannot be [revealed]."
She adds, "Mr. Coderre had disclosed his statements when he was mayor and deputy because they were public funds. It is way easier to do it when elected."
Karim Boulos, a political analyst and former municipal councillor for the district of Peter-McGill, notes all elected officials are expected to fill out an annual declaration for reasons of transparency, but that rule doesn't apply to candidates.
Nevertheless, it's something that gets brought up every election.
"It's because we feel that we are overtaxed in general," he explains. "We want to make sure that whoever is representing us is doing their fair share and paying their taxes... You want to know who you're voting for."
Boulos admits seeing a candidate's tax return may not change much for the average voter.
"The average voter doesn't even vote," he points out. "For the average voter, it doesn't matter. For someone who's invested, who actually cares, it speaks to integrity... They just want to know they're voting for someone who's invested in their interests."
Mouvement Montréal has yet to respond to CTV News' request for comment about whether it will release leader Balarama Holness' tax returns.
The Montreal municipal election is slated for Nov. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.