Gilles Vaillancourt, Canadian politician

Gilles Vaillancourt, born on January 9, 1941, is a prominent former Canadian politician whose career was marked by a long tenure as mayor of Laval, Quebec, followed by a significant conviction for corruption and fraud.

Long-Serving Mayor of Laval

Vaillancourt served an extensive period as the mayor of Laval, Quebec's third-largest city, from June 8, 1989, until his resignation on November 9, 2012. His 23-year term made him one of the longest-serving municipal leaders in Quebec history. During his time in office, Vaillancourt presided over a period of considerable growth and development for Laval, which saw the city's population expand and its infrastructure evolve. He was a dominant figure in local politics, often described as a powerful and influential mayor who consolidated authority within the city administration.

The Parti PRO des Lavallois: Vaillancourt's Political Vehicle

Throughout his mayoral tenure, Gilles Vaillancourt also held the leadership of the Parti PRO des Lavallois. This municipal political party served as his primary vehicle for contesting elections and maintaining political control over the city of Laval. Under his leadership, the party consistently won municipal elections, reflecting his strong influence and popularity for many years before the extent of the corruption came to light. The party essentially mirrored Vaillancourt's political agenda and power base within the city.

Corruption and Fraud Conviction: A Downfall

Vaillancourt's political career came to an abrupt end on November 9, 2012, when he resigned from office just hours before being charged with a series of serious offenses, including corruption, fraud, breach of trust, and gangsterism. These charges were a direct outcome of extensive investigations, notably those conducted by Quebec's Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) and the high-profile Charbonneau Commission (Commission d'enquête sur l'octroi et la gestion des contrats publics dans l'industrie de la construction). The Charbonneau Commission, established in 2011, aimed to investigate allegations of collusion and corruption in the province's construction industry and the illegal financing of political parties. Its proceedings revealed widespread schemes of bid-rigging and kickbacks involving public contracts, with significant sums allegedly siphoned off for personal gain and illegal political financing.

Legal Proceedings and Sentence

After a lengthy legal process, Gilles Vaillancourt ultimately pleaded guilty to three charges in December 2016: fraud, breach of trust, and conspiracy to commit fraud. As part of a plea bargain, he admitted to orchestrating a vast corruption scheme involving collusion and illegal funding for his political party. His sentencing included:

• A six-year prison term.
• The repayment of $8.6 million in illicit gains to the City of Laval. This substantial sum highlighted the scale of the financial impropriety uncovered.
• The forfeiture of assets totaling approximately $2 million, including funds held in Swiss bank accounts.

Vaillancourt's conviction sent shockwaves through Quebec's political landscape, underscoring the severe consequences of public corruption and reinforcing public demand for greater transparency and accountability in governance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gilles Vaillancourt

Who is Gilles Vaillancourt?

Gilles Vaillancourt is a former Canadian politician best known for his long tenure as the mayor of Laval, Quebec, and his subsequent conviction on charges of corruption and fraud.

What was Gilles Vaillancourt's role in Laval?

He served as the mayor of Laval from June 8, 1989, until November 9, 2012, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in the province. During this time, he was also the leader of the municipal political party, the Parti PRO des Lavallois.

Why was Gilles Vaillancourt charged with corruption?

He was charged and later convicted due to his involvement in extensive schemes of corruption and fraud related to public contracts in Laval. These schemes included bid-rigging, collusion, and the illegal financing of his political party, as exposed by investigations like the Charbonneau Commission.

What was the Charbonneau Commission?

The Charbonneau Commission (Commission d'enquête sur l'octroi et la gestion des contrats publics dans l'industrie de la construction) was a public inquiry established by the Quebec government in 2011. Its mandate was to investigate allegations of corruption and collusion in the province's construction industry and its links to political party financing, ultimately playing a key role in uncovering the systemic corruption involving Vaillancourt.

What was Gilles Vaillancourt's sentence?

In 2016, Gilles Vaillancourt was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of fraud, breach of trust, and conspiracy. He was also ordered to repay $8.6 million to the City of Laval and forfeit assets totaling around $2 million.

What was the Parti PRO des Lavallois?

The Parti PRO des Lavallois was a municipal political party in Laval, Quebec, led by Gilles Vaillancourt. It served as his political platform and vehicle for winning elections and maintaining power throughout his extensive mayoral term.