The Ethics Commissioner of the National Assembly will determine whether adjustments are necessary to avoid any appearance of ethical conflict between the cabinet of the Minister of Health Christian Dubé and the new captain of public health Luc Boileau, learned The duty.
Mr. Boileau is the father of Marjaurie Côté-Boileau, Mr. Dubé’s press attaché. This family connection was widely reported in the media last week when he was appointed to the post of acting national director of public health.
Thusday, The duty was informed by Mr. Dubé’s office that an opinion from Ethics Commissioner Ariane Mignolet was sought on January 10. The next day, the government officially announced Mr. Boileau’s appointment.
“Out of respect for the respective careers of Dr. Boileau and Ms. Côté-Boileau, we want to make sure that everything is done according to the rules,” said communications advisor Amélie Paquet.
Minister Dubé’s office is awaiting the response from Ms. Mignolet, the person responsible for applying the code of ethics who oversees elected officials and ministerial office staff.
“The commissioner is taking the time to inquire about the situation,” replied the spokesperson.
In the meantime, precautions have already been taken to manage the situation.
“We have taken the initiative that Marjaurie Côte-Boileau no longer hosts press conferences where Dr. Boileau is present, and that she is not involved in discussions concerning Dr. Boileau’s media relations either,” said Miss Packet.
Independence respected
According to the firm, the family situation of Ms. Côté-Boileau and her father had no impact on the functions he performed at the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) before succeeding to Horacio Arruda.
“You should know that Dr. Boileau was previously CEO of INESSS and that we have always respected the independence of his position,” said Ms. Paquet.
Mr. Boileau, who has also been assistant deputy minister since last week, had informed his employer of his situation.
“Mr. Boileau, upon his appointment, like his appointment as CEO of INESSS, informed the Secretariat of Senior Employment of his family situation,” said a spokeswoman for the INESSS on Wednesday. Executive Council, Marie-Ève Fillion. He had also done so with the Ministry of Health and Social Services. »
Mr. Dubé’s firm did not specify which aspects are covered by Ms. Mignolet’s analysis.
Provisions of the National Assembly’s code of ethics stipulate that a staff member of a firm may not place himself in a situation of conflict between his personal interest and the duties of his office. He must also not favor his personal interests or those of a member of his immediate family.
More details will follow