Premier Legault: ‘I cannot accept that we put in question my integrity,’ CAQ will no longer accept private donations

“People have some doubts and I think it’s important. It’s important for me because it politics is tough. I make decisions that are not always supported by all the population. But one thing I cannot accept […] that we put in question my integrity shit,” said Premier François Legault at press conference on Thursday – not mincing words – responding after his party has been mired in controversy for several days over the participation of ministers in fundraising activities.

He says the CAQ government will no longer accept private donations.

This – after several CAQ members were accused of soliciting 100 dollar donations from mayors – hoping to meet with ministers.

The Canadian Press reported earlier this week that almost half of Quebec’s mayors have contributed to the governing party’s coffers since the 2021 municipal election – for a total of nearly $100,000.

“First I want to be very clear my MNAs didn’t do anything wrong. All right, but it the perception It’s the way people see that they think that because a minister is at the cocktail that there’s expectations to give a contract in exchange it never happened. But it’s important the image of integrity at least for me.”

The CAQ received $1.35 million in individual contributions in 2022, an election year when citizens are allowed to contribute an additional $100 on top of the maximum annual donation of $100.

By renouncing popular financing, the Premier is putting pressure on other parties that rely on it for funds, especially his opponent, the Parti Québécois (PQ).

“I want our ministers to meet with the mayors, to meet with the population. I think it’s important to continue meeting but not in exchange or not asking for any money.”

The CAQ received nearly $6.4 million in public funding from the government, based on votes obtained, among other factors. 

Legault said he must make decisions that are not always supported by the population, and that people will always have doubts.

“I’ll say CAQ is stopping right now. So, the other ones, they may decide that they want to keep on having private donations – it’s their decision,” he explained. “I would prefer that we have all the same rules, but if they don’t want to change the rules, I’ll change the rules.”

The PQ received more than $1.5 million in individual contributions in 2022, but only $2.8 million in government allocations.

Under Quebec’s Election Act, only citizens — not legal entities such as companies or unions — can donate to political parties, and the maximum donation is $100  per year, with an extra $100 allowed for general elections or byelections.

The Act specifies that donations can’t be given in order to gain a favour or an advantage.

This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews.