Boisclair still has two titles despite premier’s promise to change his contract

QUEBEC CITY – André Boisclair is still assistant deputy minister, nearly one year after Premier Pauline Marois made him renounce the title.

It was one of the first controversies to hit the Marois government. Last Fall, Boisclair secured a double post: delegate-general in New York and assistant deputy minister. That meant if a new government came to power and chased him from New York, he would be safe with a job-for-life in the public sector.

Inundated with criticism, the premier was forced to strip Boisclair of one of his posts.

On Tuesday, a top PQ strategist told the Journal de Québec Boisclair’s contract has never been modified. Hubert Bolduc confirmed Boisclair still holds the two titles.

“Mme Marois just misleads Quebecers about the real intention of the government and that’s a big problem,” said Liberal opposition leader Jean-Marc Fournier. “She has duped Quebecers.”

The PQ held 40 cabinet meetings since then; ample opportunity to make the change, he said.

The International Affairs Minister said the government is waiting for the Perreault report into political nominations.

“We asked a committee to look at the situation of people outside the administration that are nominated to important positions, how should we pay them, what should be the delay when they leave, what should be the conditions,” said Jean-Francois Lisée.

The issue crossed over to the floor.

“Where was the premier’s conscience over the past 10 months,” shouted Liberal MNA Lise Thériault.

“She did nothing and that’s exactly what we think about Mme Marois; she says something and she doesn’t do it,” added CAQ House Leader Gérard Deltell. “Quebecers will have to judge whether she is a good premier. We think she is bad.”

Boisclair said he will be staying in Montreal for a while, meaning the Marois government will need to find a replacement in New York. Taxpayers are the biggest losers; they could also end up paying for the CAQ’s defence, as it prepares to confront Boisclair in court.

Jacques Duchesneau linked the former PQ minister to organized crime last week.

He made this declaration on Tuesday:

“I regret that Mr. Boisclair has chosen the judicial system to deal with these issues but he has the right to do so,” said the CAQ MNA. “If he persists with his announced intention, it’s clear that we will take all necessary measures to protect and promote our right and duty to ask legitimate questions.”

Duchesneau said many questions remain about all aspects of Boisclair’s work in the civil service.