Pierre Paradis kicked out of Quebec Liberal caucus amid police probe

The Quebec premier’s office is confirming that a longtime cabinet minister is under police investigation.

In a statement Thursday, Premier Philippe Couillard says Pierre Paradis has been replaced as agriculture minister by Laurent Lessard.

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The 66-year-old Paradis, who has represented the riding of Brome-Missisquoi since 1980, has also been kicked out of the Liberal caucus.

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A source told The Canadian Press on Thursday that Couillard was informed about an incident involving Paradis when the premier was attending the Davos economic summit last Friday.

READ MORE: Quebec agriculture minister leaves cabinet, cites health reasons

Couillard’s office reportedly received a letter Tuesday from the person who filed a complaint with the police.

The premier’s statement did not elaborate on the nature of the police investigation.

It comes a day after a spokeswoman for Paradis said he was stepping away from his cabinet duties temporarily after falling off a horse and suffering a concussion.

Laurence Lemieux described the concussion as mild and said he suffered no fracture.

(The Canadian Press)