Jacques Daoust has resigned from his position as Quebec's Transport Minister and will give up his seat as Verdun MNA.
He has recently been scrutinized for his possible involvement in the sale of the Quebec hardware store chain Rona to the U.S. company Lowe’s back in February.
Daoust was under fire because of an auditor general's report which suggested he knew Investissement Quebec was planning to sell Rona shares when he was the economy minister between 2014-2016.
Daoust repeatedly denied Investissment Quebec informed him about the sale of the shares.
However, today, copies of an email exchange between Investissement Quebec's vice-president and Daoust's chief of staff suggest the Minister gave the sale the green light.
In a statement issued today Daoust maintains that he told the truth about Rona.
"Even though I have done nothing wrong and have always told the entire truth, the issue about Rona's shares has become a distraction that casts a shadow over our government's plans," he wrote. "Therefore I have contacted the Premier to announce that I'm stepping down as MNA for Verdun, and as Transport Minister."
Philippe Couillard released a statement Friday afternoon thanking Daoust for his contribution.
Daoust's resignation means there will now be four by-elections in the fall to replace Pierre Karl Peladeau, Bernard Drainville, Sylvie Roy and now Daoust.
Couillard will also shuffle his cabinet on Saturday morning.
Updates to come.
