The closure of the Mâchurer investigation has nothing to do with former Prime Minister Jean Charest’s candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), the Commissioner of Permanent Unity said on Tuesday. anti-corruption, Frédérick Gaudreau.
Mr. Gaudreau commented for the first time on his decision, announced last February, to put an end to this highly publicized investigation which targeted the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) and Mr. Charest, in particular.
At that time, Mr. Charest’s candidacy for the leadership of the CPC was strongly anticipated. He publicly announced his interest in early March, about a week after UPAC officially closed the Mâchurer investigation.
After drawing up his annual report in Quebec, Mr. Gaudreau said that this decision was the subject of very thorough analyzes before and even after its announcement by press release on February 28.
The commissioner said he was very surprised that his decision coincided with the fact that Mr. Charest’s candidacy was being considered.
“We remember, it was early February and at that time my decision was made, everything was coordinated to announce it,” he said.
In its most recent report, the UPAC Supervisory Committee expressed the same opinion after questioning the commissioner following the announcement of the closure of the investigation.
“With respect to the decision to terminate the Mâchurer investigation, the Committee is of the opinion that no political considerations influenced the Commissioner’s actions and decisions,” the document states.
More details will follow.
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