With his administration under heavy fire over corruption, Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay is taking a break.

A spokeswoman for the mayor says he'll be taking a few days off and will be back at work on Monday.

The break comes as both Tremblay and his administration remain under the microscope.

A witness testified at Quebec's corruption inquiry this week that Tremblay not only knew about illegal fundraising within his political party — but actually ignored it.

Tremblay cancelled a number of public appearances this week including a major speech scheduled for tomorrow outlining his economic legacy.

He may be reflecting on the results of a Leger Marketing survey indicating 76 per cent of respondents feel its time for him to go.

Just one in ten voters thinks he should stay on.

The timing of today's announcement is important — if Tremblay quits before Nov. 3, one year ahead of the next municipal election, an early vote for the mayoralty will be held.

If he quits afterward, under Quebec law, he can be replaced by city council without an election. His party holds the majority on council.

Municipal elections across the province are to be held in November 2013.

Photo: Canadian Press