The Coalition Avenir Quebec is calling for a public inquiry of former PQ leader Andre Boisclair in regards to a last-minute deal made with an associate of the Hells Angels.
It is also demanding the province's delegate-general to New York be suspended from his post based on a decision he made when he was a member of a previous Parti Quebecois government.
The opposition is questioning a decision then-municipal affairs minister Andre Boisclair made when he granted a $2.5 million subsidy to a firm run by his long-time friend, Paul Sauvé, to refurbish St. James United Church. The decision was made in April 2003, four days before the PQ government fell.
Boisclair vehemently denies the allegations, and has threatened to take legal action if the statements are not retracted.
CAQ member Jacques Duchesneau said everyone knew the PQ government was about to fall and it was immoral for members of the government to be granting contracts, especially to personal friends.
Further, Sauvé has admitted to links with the biker gang the Hells Angels. He testified at the Charbonneau Commission last week that he talked with Boisclair about the project to redo the face of the downtown Montreal church.
On Tuesday, Justice France Charbonneau lifted a publication ban on the details of Sauvé's testimony.
Funding granted between advance voting and regular election
“$2.5 million of subsidies were given to a person who has links with the Hells Angels,” said Duchesneau.
"We have the letter right here. Four days before the election [Boisclair] gives a grant of $2.5 million to a friend, it's important to mention that, and he's our representative in New York City… He needs to come back and explain what happened exactly and we need to have a thorough investigation into the matter."
Duchesneau said not only should Boisclair be recalled, but his actions should be the subject of a public inquiry, especially since Boisclair admitted to using cocaine while in public office, from 1996 until 2003.
Duchesneau said it could be possible that Boisclair's drug use left him open to being pressured into handing over government funds.
In a news release issued Wednesday evening, Boiscalir “categorically denied” the accusations, saying funding for the church renovations was neither illegal nor illegitimate.
He referred to a letter sent to Rev. Arlen Bonnar on April 10, 2003 about the financial assistance offered to the church.
“The assistance provided was part of the continuity of the first phase of development of the church, which began in 2001 as part of Quebec municipalities’ infrastructure program,” said Boisclair in the release.
As for his relationship with Sauvé, Boisclair said, "I have known Paul Sauvé years. He has participated in fundraising activities. In this regard, to my knowledge, the legal framework has been scrupulously respected."
Boisclair also said his lawyers have sent a formal letter to Duchesneau ordering him to apologize, retract his statements and admit fault against Boisclair, failing which he intends to go forward with legal proceedings.
He has also launched an online petition to gather support.
PQ defending Boisclair
The PQ government is defending Boisclair, who following the 2003 election became the party's leader.
Jean-Francois Lisée, Municipal Affairs Minister, spoke to Boisclair on Monday about Sauvé's testimony.
"He said of course he's completely available to the commission or to the police to answer any questions. He thinks everything that's been done is above board, completely legal," said Lisée.
Lisée said that as far as he knows, neither police nor members of the Charbonneau Commission have contacted Boisclair.
He also pointed the finger back at Duchesneau.
“Today it's another Mr. Duchesneau that appeared, creating accusations out of nowhere with no proof whatsoever. A purely political statement,” said Lisée.
Lisée then said Duchesneau, a former Montreal police chief and investigator on the province’s permanent anti-corruption squad UPAC, has discredited himself.
“McCarthy was great at that, Joe McCarthy and McCarthyism. He took facts and then he cooked up conspiracy around them,” he said.
The Liberals agree with the CAQ, however, saying Boisclair and Premier Pauline Marois must explain.
“The points raised around the project go, in my view, far beyond the question of the letter authorizing the project. It's a question of fundraising of various associations,” said Liberal leader Philippe Couillard.
One man who was also a minister in that 2003 PQ government – now CAQ leader Francois Legault – points out that's it's highly unusual to give a contract so close to voting day.
“During the election, it's very exceptional and we have to show that it's urgent, but at four days to an election? I haven’t seen that,” said Legault.
PQ ministers say Duchesneau needs to support his allegations about Boisclair and soon, but Duchesneau is not backing down, saying there will be more touchy questions raised in the coming days.
