The Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, and her lobbyist friend are still business partners in companies officially active in the real estate sector, her cabinet said on Friday.
Press officer Philippe Couture clarified this situation after first claiming on Thursday that two companies that link them were inactive.
The companies Nomi Immobilier and 5840-5842 Chateaubriand SEC are still active according to the Quebec Business Register. Mr. Couture confirmed this information on Friday, stating that a dispute in the courts prevents the closure of Chateaubriand SEC.
“She was a friend and a business partner before entering politics,” said Mr. Couture at the Duty. It is certain that there, they are bound by this company there, where nothing happens. »
After confirming that the two friends met on December 5 with the Minister for Health and Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, to discuss government issues, her office announced that this situation would not happen again.
Mme Duranceau intends to shut down all businesses that link her to her lobbyist friend once the ongoing litigation is settled, the minister’s office said.
These companies appear in the declaration of interests that Mme Duranceau made to the Ethics Commissioner of the National Assembly, Ariane Mignolet. However, they are not the subject of a blind trust.
More details will follow.
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