Trash talk pits Montreal mayor against tourism bureau

The mayor of Montreal is demanding the head of his tourism bureau resign for calling the city dirty and ugly.

Montreal's tourism bureau head, Charles Lapointe, raised eyebrows in a recent speech at the chamber of commerce when he said the city looks dishevelled and its shabby appearance drives visitors away.

Lapointe even showed avideo with footage of overflowing garbage cans and cigarette butts carpeting the sidewalks. He urged the city to pull up its socks and do a better jobs of maintaining appearances.

On Wednesday, Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay admonished Lapointe, calling his comments inappropriate and reason enough to step down from the tourism board.

Tremblay has said cleanliness is a priority, and the city has spent millions of dollars to clean up the streets and alleys.