(Québec) The Coalition avenir Québec “monetizes access to its ministers” to fill its electoral war chest, accuses the Parti Québécois. This practice is not illegal, but it should become so according to him, because it places ministers “in a situation of vulnerability”.
Posted at 9:41 a.m.
PQ MP Pascal Bérubé noted Wednesday three invitations from the CAQ to events in the presence of ministers Jean Boulet, Geneviève Guilbault and Benoit Charette. Those interested must pay $200 in the first two cases, and $150 for the third.
“We will monetize access to ministers,” he said during a press briefing, while acknowledging that these “fundraising activities are not illegal”.
Pascal Bérubé believes that the law on political financing should be amended so that any contribution to a party is made without there being in return an offer to have access to ministers. The latter find themselves in a position of vulnerability at the present time, said the MP for Matane.
According to him, the CAQ is trying to “catch up” that it has accumulated in its political financing.
For this year, he is fourth among the formations in the donations raised, according to data disclosed by the PQ.
- Conservative Party of Quebec: $412,498
- Parti Québécois: $372,840
- Quebec solidaire: $255,616
- Future Quebec Coalition: $254,292
- Quebec Liberal Party: $131,392
In power between 2012 and 2014, the PQ amended the law on political financing to lower the maximum donation allowed, but without addressing the issue raised by Pascal Bérubé. When reminded of this fact, the hon. member replies that we should now be tougher.