Vancouver Information and Newspaper

MONTREAL – Montreal’s two main municipal parties spent the weekend gearing up for the campaign trail.

With allegations corruption swirling around City Hall, Mayor Gerald Tremblay of the ruling Union Montreal told his troops to put the past behind them and focus instead on the party’s future.

Tremblay’s administration faces allegations of links to extortion and alleged Mafia-meddling over a $10.6-million contract to replace a roof at city hall.

The administration is now part of a police investigation directed at corruption in the construction industry.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Louise Harel of Vision Montreal focused her campaign announcements on ethics and transparency.

Both party leaders promised more transparency to how they raise cash by posting campaign contributions on their respective websites.

Earlier this month, former judge John Gomery announced he would oversee fringe party Projet Montreal’s fundraising campaign leading to the city’s Nov. 1 municipal election.