Councillor Deschamps appointed to SHDM Board of Directors

The City of Montreal Executive Committee asked the SHDM Board of Directors to submit an action plan consisting of: the implementation of measures to ensure full support for ongoing auditing missions at the SHDM; continuity in establishing best governance practices; re-assessment of the SHDM administrative management; revision of internal control systems; creation of a joint executive committee City-SHDM to ensure the management of <@Ri:>Contrecoeur<@$p:>; and support in the conversion of the SHDM into a para-municipal entity within the present Charter of the City of Montreal.

One of the roles of the SHDM is to promote land development. “It’s to acquire projects that can be developed or to improve the situation of some boroughs or sectors of the City so that from a taxation perspective, there would be a return on investment”, explained Richard Deschamps.

Last fall, the <@Ri:>Contrecoeur<@$p:> issue made headlines; there was an investigation and the general director was stripped of his responsibilities. Councillor Richard Deschamps has been given the mandate to clean up this situation.

“It was a pivotal moment because the contracts of some administrators had to be renewed and there were some court cases pending as a result of the <@Ri:>Contrecoeur <@$p:>project – the subject of investigations. I am the only re-elected official in the board.” What will his role be ? “It’s a recovery mission. My role is that of an administrator, so it’s one of governance. I’m going to be establishing good governance practices, improve administrative management, and revise internal control systems. I have to make sure that full support is provided to projects such as the auditing of activities at the SHDM.”

His experience and his competencies in administration played a role in his selection. “Mayor Tremblay did not tell me why he chose me but I think my experience, my analytical skills, and my training are advantages. I have been asked to assess and improve a situation and I find that’s an interesting challenge. What must be done – should there be gaps and weaknesses – is that these gaps and weaknesses be avoided in the future. Skill and judgment are no doubt prerequisites.”