Loto-Québec’s head of communications Pierre Bibeau reassigned

MONTREAL – Loto-Québec’s head of communications Pierre Bibeau has been temporarily reassigned following allegations that surfaced earlier this week at the Charbonneau Commission into construction fraud.

On Monday, ex-construction boss Lino Zambito claimed he gave Bibeau $30,000 cash at Loto-Québec’s offices in April 2009, when Bibeau was an organizer for the Liberal party as well as head of corporate communications for the crown corporation.

The money was allegedly intended to support former deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau.

Bibeau released a statement late Monday denying all of the allegations.

On Wednesday morning, the crown corporation issued a news release to announce that Bibeau has been temporarily assigned to other duties.

“Considering that nature of Mr. Bibeau’s duties touch the public image of (Loto-Québec) and its external relations, since he is the senior manager responsible for corporate and institutional communications, sponsorship, social engagement and press relations, President and Head Manager Gérard Bibeau and the board of directors hereby announce that he has been temporarily assigned to other tasks, while the recent allegations are brought to light.”

Bibeau will be in charge of revising internal communications of Loto-Québec, the notice said.

The communique noted that Bibeau is presumed innocent, has denounced the allegations, and is in agreement with his temporary reassignment.

In Quebec City, Premier Pauline Marois said Bibeau will remain in his new, less-sensitive position until allegations concerning Bibeau’s role in any illegal activities have been clarified.

Marois was also asked by reporters about the resignation of Sylvain Lussier as chief prosecutor of the Charbonneau Commission.

She said she was “reassured” by Lussier’s decision, noting Justice France Charbonneau has named his deputy as interim chief prosecutor.

“She still has the confidence of the government,” Marois said of Charbonneau.