CMQ Report

The mayor and Hampstead’s Town Council acknowledge the comprehensive and objective report published by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ) on Thursday, including the recommendations provided therein. We extend our gratitude to the CMQ for their work.

The Town of Hampstead is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining effective internal financial controls. In response to the CMQ’s recommendations, we undertake to review and enhance our policies, regulations, and internal controls. This includes the implementation of a strengthened framework for use of Town credit cards, in accordance with the Cities and Towns Act.

In our pursuit to uphold the highest standards of financial integrity, we will commission an independent external investigation to thoroughly analyze the expenditures in question.

We express full confidence in the Town’s director general and have no grounds to suspect foul play or improper conduct. Our administrative framework incorporates rigorous checks and balances, underscored by annual external audits that have consistently revealed no evidence of fraud or mismanagement.

It is regrettable that these circumstances have cast a shadow over the impeccable record of our director general, especially as he approaches his previously announced retirement on January 15th after 18 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the Town of Hampstead.

While the expenses reported by the CMQ were authorized by council, we recognize that our procedures for authorization can be improved. We are dedicated to the continuous enhancement of our administrative processes and pledge to bolster all pertinent policies, regulations, and internal controls in line with the recommendations of the CMQ.

We vow to intensify our efforts in training and communicating our policies governing use of credit cards.

At a time where affordability is top of mind for many, it is essential that we ensure robust fiscal oversight to continue providing the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Hampstead with the best value for money.