The Town of Hampstead has taken decisive action to support its mayor amid a professional ethics investigation. Council members voted unanimously on Monday to cover Jeremy Levi's legal expenses as he faces a conduct complaint before Quebec's chartered accountants' disciplinary body.
Unanimous Council Decision
During a regularly scheduled meeting, Hampstead town council approved the hiring of Quebec City law firm Stein Monast to represent Mayor Levi before the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (OCPAQ). The decision received full support from all council members present.
Levi, who recently secured re-election following a closely contested and contentious campaign, holds certification as a professional accountant. The complaint against him marks a significant professional challenge occurring alongside his municipal leadership responsibilities.
Confidential Nature of Proceedings
The specific allegations prompting the disciplinary investigation remain undisclosed to the public. Maude Bujeault-Bolduc, OCPAQ's communications director, clarified that disciplinary matters maintain strict confidentiality unless formal charges are filed.
"If a complaint were to be filed to the Disciplinary Council, its content would become public when it is posted on the Roll of Disciplinary Hearings," Bujeault-Bolduc explained. She emphasized that neither the Order nor the Syndic's office can confirm or deny whether an investigation is currently underway.
Legal Obligation and Protection for Officials
In an official statement, Hampstead municipal authorities cited provincial legislation requiring the town to assume Levi's legal defense costs if the allegations relate to actions performed during his official duties. The provision aims to protect elected officials from personal liability when making decisions in good faith while serving public interests.
The municipality stated this protection "exists to ensure that elected officials can perform their responsibilities without fear of personal liability for decisions made in good faith while serving the public interest."
Mayor Levi has maintained a prominent public profile, particularly through social media platforms where he commands over 12,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). His outspoken commentary on the Israel-Hamas conflict has drawn significant attention, including previous calls for Canada to refuse Palestinian refugees from Gaza based on concerns about "values seem incompatible with ours."
Separately, Levi faces a defamation lawsuit from Montreal city councillor Alex Norris, who seeks more than $100,000 in damages. The legal action stems from Levi allegedly describing Norris as "the leading antisemite among elected officials in Montreal" in January of this year.
The town's decision to fund Levi's legal defense demonstrates the complex intersection of municipal governance, professional ethics, and personal conduct that increasingly characterizes modern political leadership.
