Quebec government says trusteeship of Laval to be lifted on Dec. 9

LAVAL, Que. – A scandal-plagued community north of Montreal will no longer be subject to government trusteeship and will be able to resume making its own decisions next month.

Laval was placed under trusteeship in June following testimony at Quebec’s corruption inquiry alleged that almost every sitting councillor took part in illegal party financing.

The city is the third largest in Quebec and ranks No. 13 in Canada.

Its political class has been hit hard as of late — the city had three mayors in the span of a year, with two of them resigning in disgrace.

Long-serving mayor Guy Vaillancourt is facing gangsterism charges while Alexandre Duplessis was forced to resign over a controversy involving an escort, among other scandals.

A Quebec municipal commission said in a statement today that the decision to lift the trusteeship is based on the openness, collaboration and rigour of newly elected officials.

Earlier this month Marc Demers was elected mayor in municipal elections, while a fresh round of councillors were also voted in.

The trusteeship was an exceptional measure that effectively meant every decision made by the local council was subject to the approval of a trio of trustees.

Trusteeship will be lifted on Dec. 9.