Stung by the allegations of a Liberal MP, a former assistant deputy minister defended her integrity on Friday, claiming to have been fired “without cause” by the government, a decision that she does not intend to contest.
Marie-Dominique Taillon responded to Marwah Rizqy, who questioned this week about the reasons which allowed her to obtain a departure bonus of around $200,000, despite the doubts raised about her management.
“Contrary to certain statements, Mr.me Taillon is not aware of any allegations of embezzlement, mismanagement or any investigation of a criminal nature against her,” indicates a press release which refers in particular to the comments of Ms.me Rizqy.
A decree published this week reveals that the Council of Ministers terminated Ms.me Tail 1er november. Appointed assistant deputy minister of Education in March 2022, her contract was valid until 2027.
Mme Taillon does not intend to contest the government’s decision, said his spokesperson, Jean-Maurice Duddin.
“A termination clause without cause is included in the contract,” he replied to the Duty.
” Golden parachute “
In June, the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, himself announced the temporary suspension of Mme Taillon following the publication of a report from Duty which covered the period when she was head of the Marie-Victorin School Service Center, from 2018 to 2022.
The minister recalled the two analyzes of the work climate already started by the CSS, which is also the target of an investigation by the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC).
This week, Mme Rizqy stressed that the government had contractual clauses to avoid the payment of a severance allowance, after the termination of Ms.me Taillon.
“She is entitled to a severance allowance, even though she was facing allegations of a criminal nature,” noted the member for Saint-Laurent in an exchange with Mr. Drainville, in a parliamentary committee.
Ms. Rizqy maintained that public opinion was very sensitive to situations where “golden parachutes” are offered to leaders of the senior public service.
“If you have committed a mistake, there is a dismissal, it is a dismissal,” she said. Generally, the exclusion clause is applied. »
The press release from Mme Taillon, transmitted “in reaction to the comments in particular of Mme Marwah Rizqy”, affirms that the government chose to terminate his contract and to respect its terms, which notably provide for the payment of a severance allowance.
“Following the government’s decision, she is retiring from the public service to explore new avenues in the private sector,” the press release said.
With Zacharie Goudreault
More details will follow.