Prime Minister François Legault defended the integrity of his government on Wednesday, while the National Assembly’s Ethics Commissioner opened an investigation into the exchanges between Minister France-Élaine Duranceau and a lobbyist friend who is also his business partner.
Mr. Legault responded to the Liberal opposition, which highlighted the succession of investigations carried out by Commissioner Ariane Mignolet following ethical allegations affecting members of the government.
“Our ministers don’t put themselves in situations where someone could either embezzle, take advantage or whatever,” he said in a press scrum. I think everyone is there for the right reasons in my cabinet. »
The Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau refused to comment on Ms. Mignolet’s decision to open an investigation on Tuesday into a meeting with her friend Annie Lemieux on December 5, 2022.
“I will defer to all comments from the Ethics Commissioner. I will collaborate with her and we will see what emerges from this analysis,” she said.
Ms. Duranceau explained that she had, like all ministers, declared her interests to the commissioner, including those in companies where she is linked to Ms. Lemieux.
“I disclosed everything I had to disclose, I have nothing to reproach myself for, so I will await the recommendations, if any, of the Ethics Commissioner,” he said. she says.
Tuesday, in the light of this new investigation, the liberal opposition had invited Mr. Legault to call his ministers to order.
Further details will follow.