Former Parti Québécois leader André Boisclair has accepted a $170,000-a-year Quebec government job to head a committee overseeing the province's environmental impact assessments in the far north.
International Relations Minister Jean-François Lisée confirmed Tuesday that he offered Boisclair the post and that Boisclair accepted it. Boisclair asked to be relieved of his position as Quebec's delegate-general in New York City on Sept 27 in order to focus on defending himself in a court battle.
The opposition Coalition Avenir Quebec raised questions about his granting of a contract to a longtime friend only days before the 2003 election when Boisclair was a cabinet minister.
The CAQ also raised doubts about Boisclair because of his admitted use of cocaine. Boisclair has denied any wrongdoing and is suing the CAQ, party leader François Legault and MNA Jacques Duchesneau for $200,000 for defamation.
However, Boisclair was kept on the government payroll and civil servants searched for a position for him.
On Tuesday Legault said he does not accept Boisclair's explanations about his actions and does not believe Boisclair should be allowed to work for the government until he explains himself more clearly.
Legault said Premier Pauline Marois should demand more explanations from Boisclair about why he granted the contract to renovate St-James United Church.
Boisclair's posting will last for two years, or the remainder of his term as delegate-general.
