PQ calls for release of all documents into illegal spending by “No” campaign ahead of 1995 Quebec referendum
Posted May 24, 2023 3:07 pm.
Last Updated May 24, 2023 3:21 pm.
The Parti Québécois (PQ) is calling for the release of all documents related to an investigation into illegal spending by the “No” campaign ahead of the 1995 Quebec sovereignty referendum.
The investigation in 2006 overseen by retired judge Bernard Grenier found that two federalist organizations, which received millions of dollars in funding from Ottawa, failed to report spending of more than $500,000.
More than 90 witnesses appeared during the 16-month closed-door inquiry and more than 4,500 documents were entered into evidence.
However, Grenier ordered all the evidence – including witness testimony and communication between witnesses and their lawyers – to be permanently sealed.
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A motion by PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is scheduled for debate today at the National Assembly and would require the government to introduce a bill to declassify all the documents related to the Grenier inquiry.
The “No” side won the Oct. 30, 1995, sovereignty referendum by 50.58 per cent, a majority of 54,288 votes.
