Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has suspended Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough mayor Giuliana Fumagalli from the Projet Montréal majority caucus.
Plante made the announcement at a news conference held at city hall Friday morning.
Fumagalli had been working from home since May after allegations of harassment were levelled against her.
“Last May, as soon as allegations of inappropriate behaviour concerning the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough mayor were raised, a mediation process was quickly put in place,” Plante explained.
“My goal was to ensure that the workplace environment is respectful and harmonious for all borough employees at all times.”
Plante said she was forced to suspend Fumagalli in light of new information revealed Thursday.
“The mediation process led to an agreement between the parties involved,” she said.
“However new allegations were brought to my attention yesterday that causes me to consider that the agreement has not been fully respected.”
READ MORE: Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension mayor to work from home in light of harassment allegations
Plante would not expand on the allegations citing confidentiality, but she did say that a full inquiry into the working climate in the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension has been mandated.
Plante also took a moment to reassure residents.
“Let me be very clear, my administration will work tirelessly to offer the best services and to build a better neighbourhood,” she said, adding she spoke to elected officials of the borough to ensure they share the same objectives.
“We will work hand-in-hand, to better serve their interests.”
Fumagalli will continue to serve as borough mayor, a position she has held since November 2017, as the inquiry runs its course.
In the interim, Fumagalli will work from Montreal City Hall but will have a liaison officer appointed to her, as she is prohibited contact with all public servants of her borough.
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