QUEBEC CITY – It was supposed to be the Liberals’ day to shine. After a decisive victory on April 7, 70 newly elected MNAs were sworn in at the National Assembly.
But allegations of illegal party financing cast a shadow on what was supposed to be a joyous occasion.
The province’s anti-corruption unit is investigating one current and three former Liberal MNAs for breach of trust, corruption and illegal party financing.
Former Deputy Premier Nathalie Normandeau is, thus far, the biggest political name to be targeted by the UPAC probe. Normandeau is being targeted for allegedly trading money for ministerial access.
“These are very serious allegations,” said PQ House Leader Agnès Maltais. “It could be a plot and it’s inside a party that is actually at the head of the government.”
The PQ insisted the information should have been made public before Quebecers went to the polls, while the Liberals pointed out no one has been charged in connection with these allegations.
“Those are, again, allegations and let the police do their job,” said Liberal MNA Pierre Moreau. “I think they’re doing a good job, they have the proper budget to do that and that’s the end of the story.”
“I am not concerned,” added Liberal MNA Rita de Santis. “I would like the people, if there are any, who did things which are incorrect, that they pay for it. I’m not going to be tainted by something that may or may not be true.”
But former police investigator turned Liberal MNA Robert Poëti said he would like to know who among his freshly sworn-in colleagues is being targeted.
“If we have allegations, if people talk about names, I ask these people to give the names because I want to work with honest people,” he said.
The Liberal leader was again put on the defensive.
“Nothing is going to put any cloud on this wonderful day for the MNAs who are with their families to be sworn-in, it’s a great day,” he said.
Premier-designate Philippe Couillard maintained he doesn’t know anything more about the probe.
Reporters asked him whether the MNAs being targeted by UPAC should come forth.
“I’m not even sure it’s true. We have no information on that as we speak…I don’t believe it’s true, I have no information at all on this,” Couillard responded.
Couillard promised Quebecers complete transparency and integrity. Given the political climate, chances are those hoping for a place in his cabinet are being subjected to a particularly rigorous vetting process.
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