(Quebec) MP Frédéric Beauchemin returns to the Liberal caucus. The complaints for psychological harassment against him were withdrawn following a mediation process.
“In light of the announcement made by the Liberal Party of Quebec earlier today to the effect that a mediation process made it possible to reach an agreement between the parties involved, the Leader of the Opposition official [Marc Tanguay] announces that the member for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Fred Beauchemin, is rejoining the Liberal caucus,” the parliamentary wing of the party announced in a laconic press release on Friday.
Mr. Beauchemin will resume his duties as spokesperson for finance, the economy and innovation. “We will not make any further comments,” said the interim leader, Mr. Tanguay, in the press release.
On social media, the main party was delighted with this news. “I am happy that this situation can finally be behind us, especially for the young people involved. Looking forward to meeting my colleagues,” wrote MP Beauchemin on the X platform.
He was sidelined by Marc Tanguay in October following the filing of complaints for psychological harassment against him. The complainant, the president of the party’s youth wing, Élyse Moisan, had made this complaint to the party’s Legal Commission and to the National Assembly. It also targeted members of the management office of the youth wing, some of whom are political employees of the MP.
He has always denied the allegations. In his defense, he called into question the leadership of Marc Tanguay by maintaining that “the current situation is a symptom of the crisis which is hitting the party” and that “the Youth Commission, like the other bodies of the Party, is paralyzed by the lack of clear direction.
Mr. Beauchemin is also the only member of the Liberal caucus to show interest in entering the race for leadership of the Liberal Party and succeeding Dominique Anglade.
Former managing director and head of capital markets at Scotiabank, he was first elected in the 2022 general election.