PLQ crisis deepens as leader Pablo Rodriguez removes Chomedey MNA from caucus

Another chapter has opened in the Quebec Liberal Party’s internal turmoil as Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier has been removed from the Liberal caucus amid an ethics investigation. The probe concerns whether she used resources from her constituency office during the PLQ leadership race.

“This is a necessary decision under the circumstances,” opposition whip Marc Tanguay said in a statement Thursday evening.

Lakhoyan Olivier supported Pablo Rodriguez in the leadership race.

Two weeks ago, the Journal de Montréal published text messages suggesting that members backing Rodriguez during the leadership contest may have been offered financial rewards. The individuals behind those messages were not named in the report.

Radio network Cogeco later claimed the messages were sent by Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier and CAQ MNA Alice Abou-Khalil. Both denied the allegation and issued formal notices to the broadcaster.

“At all times I have respected the rules. I have nothing to reproach myself for, but I accept my leader’s decision to exclude me from caucus while the ethics commissioner conducts her investigation. Rest assured I will fully co-operate,” Lakhoyan Olivier wrote on X Thursday night.

The ethics commissioner confirmed in a statement that an investigation is underway. The office will determine whether the MNA “used or allowed the use of state resources made available to the Chomedey constituency office for partisan purposes, specifically during the Quebec Liberal Party leadership race.”

Crisis continues

The PLQ has been mired in crisis since MNA Marwah Rizqy dismissed her chief of staff, Geneviève Hinse, a close ally of Rodriguez, without informing him beforehand.

The reasons for Hinse’s dismissal remain unclear.

In a letter from Rizqy’s lawyer, Hinse is said to have been terminated “due to significant ethical breaches, notably regarding adherence to the National Assembly’s standards, internal procedures and expectations tied to her position.” The letter also claims Hinse refused to consult the ethics commissioner as requested by Rizqy.

In response to the growing internal conflict, the PLQ’s new parliamentary leader, André Fortin, said he has asked the ethics commissioner for guidance on the use of National Assembly resources during a period when the party is led by a non-sitting leader.

Rodriguez had demanded explanations from Rizqy concerning Hinse’s dismissal. After receiving none, he expelled her from caucus on Tuesday, accusing her of “disloyalty.”

The Liberal leader also said he has begun discussions to reinstate Hinse as chief of staff.

Rodriguez said there is “no connection” between Hinse’s dismissal and the text messages reported by the Journal de Montréal.

Last week, Quebec’s anti-corruption unit (UPAC) said it is “validating information (…) regarding allegations of wrongdoing involving the Quebec Liberal Party.”

– This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews