Premier Jean Charest is expected to announce details today regarding an inquiry into the nomination process of Quebec's judiciary.
The move comes after Marc Bellemare, who served as Justice Minister in 2003 and 2004, said he was pressured by political donors to appoint two judges against his will.
Bellemare said that not only was he pressured into selecting judges, but that he also saw envelopes of cash and cheques changing hands in violation of the provincial law regarding maximum individual donations of $3000.
The Liberal party has heard these accusations from Bellemare before, and in the past told Bellemare to inform Quebec's Chief Electoral Officer.
This time Charest has sent Bellemare a "cease and desist" letter, and is demanding he retract his accusations by today, Wednesday, or face a lawsuit.
Bellemare says he will not back down, and says even though he has been asking to testify before a political committee or an inquiry so he would have protection from prosecution, he will not do so unless the scope of the inquiry is broad enough.
Construction head fined
Meanwhile, Quebec's Chief Electoral Officer has fined the owner of a construction company in connection with political donations made in 2005.
Paolo Catania, the head of Frank Catania Construction, has been fined $1500 for making excessive donations to the provincial Liberal party.
The limit for individual donations is $3000 per year.
Catania has 30 days to contest the fine.
With files from The Canadian Press
