PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE REVISION OF THE MONTRÉAL CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

MONTREAL, Nov. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The Office de consultation publique announces today the launch of the revision process for the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities. Adopted by city council a few years ago, following a major public consultation headed by the Office, the Charter came into effect on January 1, 2006. The text refers to values largely shared by the citizens of Montréal. It aims to foster responsible and harmonious relationships among the citizens themselves, and between the citizens and Montréal. The Charter serves as a form of social contract between Montréal and its citizens, and recognizes their role in Montréal's affairs.

Article 42 of the Charter stipulates that within four years of its coming into force, Montréal must hold a public consultation to assess the relevance, effectiveness and coverage of the rights and responsibilities defined in this Charter, as well as in the monitoring, investigative and complaint procedures that it provides. The Office de consultation publique was mandated by the executive committee to hold this public consultation.

To promote enlightened debate, the OCPM is organizing three information evenings, on November 15, 16 and 17, at 7:00 P.M. at its offices at 1550 Metcalfe Street (Peel metro station). The first evening will inform participants about the uses made of the Charter since its coming into force, and the adjustments proposed by Montréal. The Ombudsman's report will also be presented at this meeting. The Ombudsman is the body to which citizens may turn for issues relating to the application of the charter. The second meeting will allow the Conseil jeunesse, the Conseil des montréalaises, and the Conseil interculturel, three advisors to Montréal, to present their reflections on the revision of the Charter and to discuss with citizens. Lastly, the third evening will provide an opportunity to continue discussions on the topic with members of a round table formed of representatives of groups working with vulnerable persons or in related areas.

The information sessions will be followed by evenings for the presentation of briefs by citizens and groups wishing to do so. The first such evening will be held on Monday, December 13, also at the offices of the OCPM, at 7:00 P.M.

All the information on this project is available at the OCPM offices, 1550 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1414, and at the Direction du greffe at Montréal city hall, 275 Notre-Dame Street East. The documentation is also posted on the Office Web site, at www.ocpm.qc.ca. For additional information, please call: 514 872-8510.

For further information:

Luc Doray
514 872-3568
514 977-8365 (Cell.)