Gilles Vaillancourt, Laval’s “mayor for life”, resigned his office after 23 years on Nov. 9. He became weakened by a succession of investigative news reports, sworn commission testimony and police operations, which cast a light on doubtful ethical practices. Construction entrepreneur Lino Zambito testified before the Charbonneau Commission that companies paid a 2.5-per-cent cut on construction contracts directly to Mr. Vaillancourt.Christinne Muschi/The Globe and Mail