City comptroller fired in spying scheme

The mayor of Montreal has fired the city’s comptroller amid revelations of a spying scheme involving a city council chairman.

City comptroller Pierre Reid led an investigation aimed at Lachine borough mayor Claude Dauphin. The investigation revealed troublesome details of alleged dealings between Dauphin and a Lachine demolition company.

Mayor Gerald Tremblay is calling for the resignation of Dauphin until an investigation of the matter is settled. Dauphin refuses to step down, claiming he’s done nothing wrong. He maintains that he was anonymously alerted about himself and other elected officials being watched. Surveillance of elected officials is against city by-law.

Opposition leaders have been demanding for Reid’s dismissal after it was revealed that he was also investigating an auditor. Reid, although removed of his position, will remain as a city employee.

An enquiry into these accusations is being handled by provincial police.