Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest accuses the Legault government of having “endorsed” and “legitimized” “illegal acts” since the Deputy Prime Minister, Geneviève Guilbault, brandished the book at the Salon Bleu. PLQ inc., which is interested in the Mâchurer investigation of the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC).
The book “is based on several illegal leaks emanating from the UPAC, the veracity of which has also never been demonstrated and which violates the privacy of a former premier of Quebec”, wrote Mr. Charest on Wednesday in a press release. that he sent to journalists.
By appropriating a work based on these “illegal leaks”, “the Legault government, the Minister of Justice and in particular the Deputy Prime Minister endorse and legitimize illegal acts”, he continues.
Deputy Prime Minister Geneviève Guilbault held up the book at the Salon Bleu on October 21 during a vigorous exchange with Liberal MP Marc Tanguay. “For any answer to the liberal question on corruption and integrity, here is,” she said, pointing to the book, the cover of which shows a photo of Jean Charest.
The latter said he was “deeply shocked” by this gesture. “Mme Guilbault, with the support of the Minister of Justice, theatrically exhibited the book PLQ inc. on which is the photo of Mr. Charest on the cover page, ”he noted in his press release.
“This book is the result of several leaks of investigations carried out by UPAC, which, let us be clear, constitute criminal acts. These not only violate the privacy of Mr. Charest, but they are now the subject of a lawsuit before the Superior Court following the refusal of the government of Quebec to apologize to the former premier. He adds.
In the lawsuit he brought “reluctantly” in October 2020, Jean Charest is claiming from Quebec a total sum of $ 1,050,000 in punitive and moral damages.
The former member for Sherbrooke believes that Quebec and the UPAC have failed in their duty to protect the information collected as part of the Mâchurer investigation. Launched more than seven years ago, this investigation, which is still ongoing, looks at an illegal funding system for the Liberal Party of Quebec. These police suspicions have never been validated by the courts and have so far not led to any charges.
Further details will follow.