Criminal mayors in Quebec will be forced out of office under new bill

Mayors found guilty of a criminal offencewill be forced to leave office, under an amendmentproposed Wednesdayto provincial laws governing municipal politics.

Municipal Affairs Minister Martin Coiteuxtabled the proposal to be included in Bill 83, which seeks to overhaul the financing of municipal-level politics in Quebec.

"We are in the process of tightening the ethical rules in the municipal world,"Coiteux told La Presse Canadienne.

If passed, the requirement would affect at least one sitting mayor.

DenisLejeune remains the mayor ofBaie-Trinita small townabout 500 kilometersnortheast of Quebec City despite having been found guilty in Julyof sexual assault.

Coiteux also tabled a proposal that would prevent mayors from accessing their severance package if they leave office before the end of their term. The proposal would make an exception for resignations due to illness.

Bill 83 is currently undergoing clause-by-clause consideration in the National Assembly.