The daughter of the interim national director of public health Luc Boileau will be able to remain in the office of the Minister of Health Christian Dubé.
Marjaurie Côté-Boileau, the minister’s press secretary, got the green light from the ethics commissioner of the National Assembly, Ariane Mignolet, said the minister’s entourage.
Ms. Mignolet issued a verbal opinion on Friday during an interview with Ms. Côté-Boileau, communication advisor Amélie Paquet said by email.
“On both sides, following the verbal notice, there was never any question of Ms. Côté-Boileau leaving the firm,” explained Ms. Paquet.
On January 10, the day before the official announcement of Mr. Boileau’s appointment, the office of the Minister of Health had asked Ms. Mignolet for an opinion.
The firm maintains that the situation can be managed by exercising “good judgment” while remaining in contact with the commissioner.
“In maintaining Ms. Côté-Boileau’s duties, we fully subscribe to the principles of vigilance and transparency,” said Ms. Paquet. In this sense, it is a situation that can be managed by taking the usual precautions. »
Precautions, already taken while awaiting the Commissioner’s opinion, will be maintained.
“Everything has always taken place according to the rules,” said Ms. Paquet. We have already taken the initiative that Marjaurie Côté-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. »
A spokeswoman for the Ethics Commissioner said her advice is confidential.
“Only the person who has requested it can make its content public,” said Anne-Sophie St-Gelais.
It was not possible to know whether a written notice will be sent by the commissioner to Ms. Côté-Boileau.
“A written notice is not automatically given after a verbal notice if the initial request does not request it,” said Ms. St-Gelais. Similarly, a verbal notice is not always given before a written notice. »
Last week, opposition parties expressed reservations about Ms. Côté-Boileau’s situation. Liberal MP Gaétan Barrette had suggested that she be moved to another cabinet to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.
According to Mr. Barrette, the situation of Mr. Boileau and his daughter could affect the appearance of independence of his decisions as national director of public health.