MONTREAL – Liberal politician Robert Dutil announced he’s quitting politics to work in the private sector.
The 65-year-old MNA for Beauce-Sud has accepted the position of Senior Vice-Preisident for Canam-Ponts.
The political veteran was first elected to office in 1985.
He stepped down in 1994 before running and winning the seat back in 2008.
Dutil said he will give his severance bonus to Maison Catherine de Longpré, a non-profit palliative care organization in the Beauce area.
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He is the fourth MNA to leave politics within recent months, following Liberals Marguerite Blais and Gilles Ouimet, and Parti Québécois Marjolain Dufour.
Dutil’s departure has revived talk about whether MNAs should be able to leave with their hefty severance bonuses mid-mandate.
“He should not be entitled to leave with the cheque because he does not respect the moral contract with the citizens of his riding,” said Bernard Drainville, PQ MNA.
The bonus is supposed to help politicians transition into the private sector, but Dutil is not job hunting.
He’s starting his new position at his family’s growing company next week.
“Now, Canam is the fasted growing bridge business…so, it’s difficult to manage when it grows as fast as that,” said Dutil, adding the bonus is legal.
“Mr Dutil is an MNA for 26 years…anyone not to be shy it’s Robert Dutil,” added Premier Philippe Couillard.
The Liberals said they’re respecting a 2013 independent report by former Supreme Court judge Claire L’Heureux Dubé.
It suggested all MNAs get rid of their bonus in exchange for a pay increase after the next provincial election.
The parties have not been able to come to an agreement on a law to take away the bonus from those who leave before the next vote.
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