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