Former transport minister Jacques Daoust will not testify at the Rona hearings, taking place at the National Assembly in Quebec City.
Liberal MNAs at the hearing are looking into the sale of Investissement Quebec‘s shares in Rona.
READ MORE: Parti Québécois calls for Jacques Daoust to resign after allegations of corruption
They voted Thursday morning against summoning Daoust, despite ongoing calls from the opposition since he was forced to resign in August.
The Liberals argue it’s not necessary because Daoust is no longer a member of cabinet.
READ MORE: Former Quebec transport minister Jacques Daoust won’t testify in Rona hearings
Daoust resigned last month amid accusations he lied to the public when he said he knew nothing about the sale.
In 2012, Jean Charest‘s government had asked Investissement Quebec to purchase the shares to block a takeover by U.S. chain, Lowe’s.
The eventual sale of those shares in 2014 ultimately led to the hardware chain being taken over by Lowe’s earlier this year, eliciting outrage in the public and questions for the minister.
At that time, Daoust repeatedly denied he knew anything about the sale.
READ MORE: Quebec Transport Minister Jacques Daoust reportedly quits, cites conflict with premier
However, this summer, emails surfaced that suggested not only did he know, but he approved the sale.
At the end of August, Daoust’s former chief of staff testified at the National Assembly, contradicting his former boss.
Opposition members are insisting they want the chance to question Daoust about what he and the premier’s chief of staff knew about the deal.
Quebec premier Philippe Couillard has not responded to any new developments since Daoust left cabinet, saying the file is closed.
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