Montreal suburb mayor fined $30,000 for ethics breach over Palestine posts
The Quebec order of professional accountants cited over 20 social media posts Levi made between January 2024 and February 2025.
MONTREAL · The mayor of a Montreal suburb pleaded guilty to a professional ethics breach on Thursday and faces a $30,000 fine over social media comments he made about Palestine. Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi entered his plea after a complaint was filed with the Quebec order of professional accountants. The complaint accused Levi of making comments that undermine the reputation of the profession. It cited more than 20 social media posts by Levi between January 2024 and February 2025 about Palestine and pro-Palestinian activists.
The disciplinary council for the order recommended the fine along with mandatory training. The Town of Hampstead and Levi's lawyer both declined to comment about the ruling. The complaint was made to the order because Levi is a certified professional accountant. His membership in the order is subject to its code of ethics, which governs the conduct of its members.
The posts in question were made on Levi's personal social media accounts over a 13-month period. The order's disciplinary council found that the content of these posts violated professional conduct rules. The specific nature of the comments was not detailed in the public ruling. The council's decision is based on the principle that a member's public statements can reflect on the profession as a whole.
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Levi has served as the mayor of Hampstead, an on-island suburb of Montreal, since 2021. His guilty plea means he accepts the findings of the disciplinary council. The $30,000 fine is a financial penalty imposed by the professional order. The mandatory training is intended to address the ethical breaches identified in the complaint.
The Quebec order of professional accountants has the authority to investigate and sanction its members for misconduct. Sanctions can range from fines and mandatory education to suspension or expulsion from the order. In this case, the council determined that a fine and training were the appropriate measures. The ruling is now part of Levi's disciplinary record with the order.
There is no indication that the ruling affects Levi's position as mayor of Hampstead. Municipal elected officials in Quebec are not subject to the same professional codes as accountants. The town administration has not issued any statement regarding the mayor's personal professional discipline. The matter is considered separate from his municipal duties and responsibilities.
The case highlights the scrutiny public figures face regarding their personal social media activity. Professional orders increasingly monitor members' online conduct for compliance with ethical standards. The ruling serves as a reminder that even personal opinions shared online can have professional consequences. Levi's case will proceed with the implementation of the council's recommended sanctions.
With files from The Canadian Press, CBC News and Global News