The Tremblay administration is accusing a Projet Montreal councillor in NDG of interfering in the tendering process of the Empress Theatre project.

Executive committee chairman Michael Applebaum said Projet Montreal councillor for NDG Peter McQueen crossed the line when he allegedly contacted a potential financial partner in the project in August about changing some of the plans and also leaked details of the Cinema NDG project to a Montreal newspaper. Applebaum said McQueen's actions are unacceptable.

"That clearly is a breach of his code of ethics," Applebaum said.

When the issue came up at last month's council meeting, McQueen didn't deny it and said both projects in the running at the time should be disclosed, adding that nothing in the rules says he has to keep everything secret. In a published statement, McQueen said he pressured no one and has no personal stake in the project.

Projet Montreal said the Tremblay administration is just trying to deflect attention away from its own party which is mired in corruption allegations. Applebaum denied it, arguing the breach of trust allegations were brought up by Cinema NDG which has filed a complaint with the Municipal Affairs Ministry.

Applebaum said he hopes the project isn't jeopardized by this, adding he's confident the project can find the financing it needs and still go forward.

Photo: Projet Montreal