The council is a democratically elected institution and is the final decision-making authority in the city, although much power is centralized in the executive committee.

Reporting directly to the city council, the executive committee exercises decision-making powers similar to that of the cabinet in a parliamentary system and is responsible for preparing various documents including budgets and by-laws, submitted to the city council for approval.

The decision-making powers of the executive committee cover, in particular, the awarding of contracts or grants, the management of human and financial resources, supplies and buildings.

They are responsible for the public study of pending matters and for making the appropriate recommendations to the council.

The members are all elected municipal officers, with the exception of a representative of the government of Quebec on the public security committee.