Message from the mayor

The result of an extensive public consultation process, which benefited from the input of several experts, the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities recognizes the values shared by all Montrealers and facilitates the harmonious development of our city. Using an innovative approach, the Charter establishes the principles of rights and also, responsibilities. It calls for the concrete commitment of Montréal and its entire personnel to the ongoing improvement of public services.

The Charter designates the Montréal ombudsman as the neutral and impartial body responsible for promoting solutions when citizens and the city disagree on issues based on its content. But it is mainly the shared effort of citizens and the city that will ensure the respect of the rights included in the Charter.

In addition to fostering closer ties among citizens, elected officials and the municipal administration, with this Charter, Montréal adopts an essential tool for building a future rooted in the qualities we value: openness, respect for human dignity, solidarity, transparency and democracy.

We can be proud of our Charter, as it is the first of its kind to be adopted by a major Canadian city.

Gérald Tremblay
Mayor of Montréal