Montreal opposition wants tougher ethics code

Montreal's city hall opposition says it will push for an independent ethics commissioner and tougher penalties for elected officials.

The city's opposition party was expected to present its recommendations for a new code of ethics at a council meeting Monday night.

Former Vision Montréal leader Benoît Labonté says the only way to fight corruption at city hall is to name an independent person to oversee ethics investigations, one who can impose penalties on elected officials who violate the rules.

"You cannot have a code of ethics, reasonably, with no sanctions," Labonté said Monday. "It makes absolutely no sense."

Labonté promised ethics would be the No. 1 campaign issue in Montreal's November municipal election.

Montreal's current administration has come under fire this past year for alleged improprieties involving public tenders, including a $356-million contract for new water meters.

Frank Zampino, the former president of Montreal's executive council, admitted he vacationed with a businessman who later won the water meter contract.

The city's auditor general is preparing his final report on that contract, which has been suspended.

City council will vote on a final draft of the new code of ethics Sept. 21.