The resignation of another Liberal MNA is sparking a renewed debate over departure bonuses for MNAs who quit before finishing their mandate.

Robert Dutil announced Tuesday he is quitting politics to take a job in the private sector. He will be the third Liberal MNA to step down in the past month.

Just over a year into a four-year mandate, the former cabinet minister has been an MNA for Beauce-Sudfor 16 years. Before that, he was in municipal politics for 10 years, counting a total of 26 years of public service.

Dutil has been in charge of major portfolios. Most recently, under former premier Jean Charest, Dutil served as public security minister. He is not, however, a member of Premier Philippe Couillard cabinet.

Starting next week, Dutil will be returning to the private sector as vice-president at Canam-Pont, a bridge construction company that's in his family.

The move has raised some eyebrows.

“Mr. Couillard has a problem keeping his MNAs, that's for sure,” said PQ House Leader Bernard Drainville.

Dutil is the third MNA to quit in a month after Marguerite Blais, then Gilles Ouimet. Earlier this year, former education minister Yves Bolduc also walked away.

Dutil dismissed opposition speculation there's trouble in the Liberal caucus.

“They are wrong, they are wrong,” he said.

Government House Leader Jean-Marc Fournier pointed out that PQ MNAs have quit as well. 

“There were four MNAs from the opposition and four from the government, so there's no special signification,” he said.

Dutil's sudden resignation has the PQ calling on the Liberals to adopt a law eliminating departure bonuses for MNAs who quit in the middle of their mandate unless it can be justified by health or family reasons.

“He should not be entitled to leave with the cheque because he does not respect the moral contract he has with the citizens of his riding,” said Drainville. 

Dutil is donating his entire departure bonus to a palliative care residence in his Beauce-Sud riding, adding that he will also give away the tax credit money.

Drainville said that doesn't matter.

“Whether you keep it for yourself or give it to somebody else, it's still the money of the citizens. It's still the money of the taxpayers and taxpayers are really pissed off at this kind of behavior,” he said.

“I didn't ask for the opinion of Mr. Drainville to make my decision,” replied Dutil.

Dutil’s departure will trigger another by-election.