An intervention by the mayor of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie’s meeting with a citizen opposed to one of its projects ended in controversy at the Montreal city council.
A representative of the organization La Maisonnette des Parents went to Montreal City Hall on Monday evening to express reservations about making Saint-Zotique Street one-way. The organization receives municipal subsidies.
Just before the public question period, borough mayor François Limoges went to meet her. “I told her that if she had any questions about the one-way system in Saint-Zotique, that as a partner of the borough and director of the Maisonnette des Parents, she was completely free to call me or request a meeting,” reported Mr. Limoges.
The organization’s representative reportedly indicated that she wanted to have Valérie Plante’s opinion on the matter. “I told her that since it was a local matter, the answer would come from me,” Mr. Limoges continued.
The chief of staff of the official opposition saw it rather as an attempt at intimidation.
Still, Mme Kendarji felt “unwell,” according to another citizen who was there. She decided not to ask her question before the city council.
These allegations are “very serious,” said city councilor Serge Sasseville, who spoke about the case to his colleagues. “They taint the entire process of municipal democracy in Montreal by undermining the fundamental right of Montrealers to freely ask questions of elected officials without threats or hindrance.”
“I have never discouraged citizens from speaking out, neither in the borough nor at city hall,” replied François Limoges, who was called to explain himself to the city council. “If this exchange is considered intimidation, I am sorry. That was not the intention and it was not in that spirit that I went to speak to the citizen.”
The city council president declined to comment on the situation because it did not take place in the council chamber.
La Maisonnette des Parents did not immediately return a call. The Press.