The Parti Québécois is calling for a tightening of the electoral law to restrict political fundraising activities involving ministers.
PQ MP Pascal Bérubé argued Wednesday that three ministers from the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) government will soon participate in events that serve to solicit donations for the formation in power.
“There are things that should change,” he said at a press briefing on Wednesday. Placing ministers in these situations puts them in a vulnerable position, especially during an election campaign. »
Mr. Bérubé pointed out that this access, obtained in return for donations ranging from $150 to $200, is a way of “monetizing” the ministerial function and exposing elected officials to donor requests.
“We suggest, to the Parti Québécois, an amendment to the law on the financing of political parties, he said. People should give without consideration, without having expectations, without being able to network with a minister. »
According to the PQ, the CAQ is at the back of the pack for political financing, where the Conservative Party of Quebec dominates, ahead of the PQ, for the amounts received in recent months.
Mr. Bérubé maintained that he himself never participated in such events when he was Minister Delegate for Tourism, from 2012 to 2014.
“I didn’t participate in any of those activities,” he said.
Mr. Bérubé then had to defend himself for having been present at a cocktail party held in 2013.
“I don’t remember, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t there,” he admitted.
The MP maintained that after the Charbonneau Commission, which concluded its work in November 2015, these situations should no longer be permitted by law.
“I didn’t like doing that with funding, I didn’t do it often, I was a minister for 18 months, I think that’s the only time I’ve done it. I think any minister who is asked the question does not like that. »
More details will follow