A five-year investigation by the Director General of Elections of Quebec revealed that the Mouvement lavallois party committed electoral fraud during a 2019 by-election. Although violations of electoral laws were confirmed, no criminal charges will be pursued due to the substantial burden of proof required. Criticism has emerged from opposition figures urging Mayor Stéphane Boyer to reimburse misused public funds and apologize, as over $64,000 was allocated for partisan advertisements against regulations.
Conclusion of DGEQ Investigation into Mouvement Lavallois
The Director General of Elections of Quebec (DGEQ) has concluded a lengthy five-year investigation into the Mouvement lavallois party, once led by Marc Demers and currently directed by Mayor Stéphane Boyer. The findings indicate that the party engaged in fraudulent electoral activities; however, the investigation has ended without any criminal charges being filed.
Details of the Allegations and Findings
This investigation was initiated after a complaint was lodged concerning a by-election that took place in November 2019 while Marc Demers was still serving as mayor of Laval. The election was for the Marc-Aurèle-Fortin district, where candidate Bruni Surin was vying for a seat on behalf of the Mouvement lavallois.
The opposition party accused the Mouvement lavallois of misusing public funds to distribute partisan advertisements in local newspapers without the necessary authorization from the party’s official agent. These ads prominently displayed the City of Laval’s logo along with the Mouvement lavallois colors and graphics. The complaint asserted that these expenses were improperly funded by the support and research fund allocated for elected officials.
In a letter dated October 24, 2024, obtained by TVA Nouvelles, the DGEQ alerted Mayor Boyer’s party about violations of the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities. The DGEQ stated, “After analysis, we concluded that electoral expenses had been incurred and paid, contrary to what is provided for in the Act.” Specifically, the DGEQ identified five advertisements that received reimbursements from this fund, which exceeded the allowed spending limits.
Despite the clear violations, the DGEQ opted to close the case without pursuing criminal action. They emphasized that the burden of proof in criminal cases is substantial, and they must judiciously allocate limited judicial resources, considering the likelihood of a conviction and the public interest involved.
Although the Mouvement lavallois breached electoral laws, no criminal proceedings will be initiated.
The Laval Mayor’s office declined an interview request but claimed via email that the disputed advertisements were approved by the city treasurer. Former Minister of Municipal Affairs, Rémy Trudel, criticized the Mouvement lavallois, stating, “The treasurer is not the one who holds the truth; it is the DGE. There are things that are indefensible. This is indefensible.”
Trudel asserted that the Mouvement lavallois should acknowledge its political responsibilities, work collaboratively with the DGEQ, and reimburse any misused funds if necessary.
In response to the DGEQ’s findings, Claude Larochelle, the interim leader of the Parti Laval, has called for Mayor Boyer to repay the citizens of Laval for the misappropriated funds and to issue an apology. Larochelle decried the use of public funds for partisan advertising as “simply unacceptable,” highlighting that over $64,502.43 has been reimbursed for advertising and materials classified as partisan during 2023 and 2024. Alarmingly, despite the DGEQ’s severe warning, more than $7,000 was spent and claimed by Boyer’s party after the warnings were issued.
This situation could have led to fines ranging from $500 to $20,000. If criminally convicted, an individual would lose the right to participate in partisan activities, vote, or run for election for five years.
Additionally, the City of Laval has recently committed to reforming its reimbursement regulations for elected officials, following inquiries by the Quebec Municipal Commission.