Guy Ouellette will be a candidate in the next elections

File Photo, Simon Clark
Guy Ouellette

Patrick Bellerose

Monday, January 22, 2018 09:21

UPDATE
Monday, January 22, 2018 09:21

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BEIJING | Suspected by the UPAC to have leaked to the media information on police investigations, the liberal mna Guy Ouellette might still be a candidate next fall if no charges are brought against him.

This was stated by the prime minister Philippe Couillard in the margin of his economic mission which takes place all week in China.

“As far as I know, mr. Ouellette is not accused of anything, stresses the one who is also leader of the liberal Party of Quebec. As long as that remains the case, it is a fully-fledged member of our caucus. “

Leaks to the media

Last week, a judge of the Court of Quebec allowed for the publication of the affidavits submitted by the UPAC last fall in order to get the permission to search the residence of the mp. Guy Ouellette was stopped, but it still does the no charge.

In the documents made public last week, it was learned that the UPAC suspects the liberal mp of having illegally obtained police information in order to send it to the media.

The charges being considered by the UPAC in this case are abuse of trust, theft and obstruction of justice. Guy Ouellette is also suspected by the police to ” have influenced or negotiated an appointment or to have made the trade “.

Ongoing investigation

Philippe Couillard admits to being troubled by the reasons for the arrest of his deputy, but he relies on the rule of law. “These are things of concern, but, once again, mr. Ouellette is accused of nothing,” he says.

The prime minister, however, refuses to say whether he wants the UPAC has completed its survey before the next provincial election, to know if Guy Ouellette will be charged or not. “I am not to give instruction to the UPAC on the conduct of their investigations,” said Philippe Couillard.

After the arrest of Guy Ouellette last fall, the president of the national Assembly, Jacques Chagnon had denounced the silence of the UPAC on its grounds to stop a member of parliament. “That charges be brought or that a public apology be made. Can accuse or excuse, ” he started in a solemn discourse to the blue Room.

Three months later, the mp still has not been charged.