‘Deficient’: Montreal auditor general’s report finds public consultation office lacks formal oversight

Montreal’s public consultation office, the OCPM, lacked any formal management framework or oversight, according to the city’s auditor general report tabled at city council on Tuesday.

Andrée Cossette wrote in her 2023 annual report that the mechanisms for processing travel and other management expenses are “deficient.” 

Last November, controversial spending allegations came to light through reports by TVA Nouvelles. Among them were lavish trips, meals, furniture, and electronics. 

It led to the firing of then-president Isabelle Beaulieu. Her predecessor, Dominique Ollivier, stepped down as the city’s executive committee chairperson and the city placed the OCPM under trusteeship.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Luc Rabouin, chair of Montreal’s Executive Committee, said they welcome the report’s findings and recommendations.

“This is an important contribution to the sound, responsible and transparent management of public funds and of the Montreal administration,” he said. “We are always committed to improving our processes, and once again this year, we will take note of the auditor general’s recommendations, which will equip us to continue improving the services we provide to Montrealers.”

Rabouin said the City asked the Quebec government to change the law to clarify that OCPM is independent in the methodology in consultation but they are accountable to the City of Montreal in terms of administration.

“All the funds they have used from December, they have to apply all the same rules as all other services at the City of Montreal,” he said.

Among the auditor general’s recommendations: have the city sign a service agreement with the OCPM that sets out the roles, responsibilities and accountability of that office.

Robert Beaudry, responsible for town planning, citizen participation and democracy within the executive committee, says it’s important to make sure another spending issue doesn’t happen again.

“The independence of the OCPM was in good faith and it was at the beginning of the organization, during the era of Gérard Tremblay, during the era of Denis Coderre and as well Mayor Plante, it was in good faith that all the administration, it was validated that this organization was different and they have an independence,” he said.

The 300-plus page audit also found that 61 per cent of Montreal’s low-income housing are in poor or very poor condition and that at the end of 2022, more than 23,000 applicants were on the waiting list for a unit.

“What is very important for Montrealers to understand is that every year, when we take the recommendation, we put it in action,” said Rabouin.

The report also raised questions about the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau and its ability to carry out 95 projects by 2030 worth $1.1 billion.

Cossette wrote that there needs to be a clear plan to keep track of how projects are progressing and how public money is being spent.