A deputy minister has been replaced and Transport Quebec is going to be thoroughly examined after allegations of cost overruns and corrupt contracts.
Transportation Minister Jacques Daoust accepted the resignation of his deputy Dominique Savoie on Thursday, the day after she denied trying to hide irregularities in how contacts were awarded from former Transport Minister Robert Poeti.
Daoust also dismissed his chief of staff.
"It's important that we maintain the population's trust in political institutions, so in this context, I have decided to change my chief of staff," said Daoust.
Around midday Denis Marsolais, who served as deputy public security minister, was named as Savoie's replacement.
Premier Philippe Couillard said allegations of corruption have to be taken seriously.
"It's not healthy for society, so we have to act vigorously," said the premier.
The story began earlier this week when L'Actualité magazine reported that Poeti had uncovered irregularities in how contracts were awarded.
Those questionable practices reportedly include contacts being awarded to former employees without going to tender, and internal auditors being intimidated by their superiors.
On Wednesday, the government released a letter that Poeti wrote in April to his successor about his concerns in leading the Ministry.
Around the same time an independent analyst, Annie Trudel, resigned because she said her investigative work was being sabotaged and she was being blocked at every turn.
Poeti was replaced as cabinet minister in January, with the opposition saying it was because he tried to force these matters to be investigated.
UPAC confirmed this week that several Transportation Ministry employees have filed complaints, but refused to disclose whether the complaints were leading to criminal investigations or not.
On Wednesday Daoust said a USB key of information had been transferred to the provincial anti-corruption unit.
Meanwhile Premier Philippe Couillard announced Thursday that that the provincial government would create a new position, an Inspector General to investigate the Ministry.
He also said Thursday that he did not know about Trudel's resignation letter until now.
