The leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), Pablo Rodriguez, denies any knowledge of potentially illegal activities that may have occurred during his leadership campaign.
On Tuesday, the Journal de Montréal reported that envelopes containing $500 were allegedly given to about 20 donors to Rodriguez’s leadership race to reimburse their contributions.
These exchanges reportedly took place in April at a fundraising event hosted by a wealthy businessman who was not identified by the media outlet.
“Pablo was present at the event … but neither he nor his campaign team had any knowledge whatsoever of any refunds being made to participants or donors,” the Liberal leader’s team stated on Tuesday.
“It was only following tips provided by a journalist and based on Mr. Rodriguez’s calendar that we were able to identify the individual in question.”
“When confronted, she admitted to reimbursing … some of her own employees who couldn’t afford to attend the event.”
That was an “unacceptable” action, according to Rodriguez’s team, which has retained a lawyer to file a complaint with the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) and the Chief Electoral Officer.
“This action is … unethical and contrary to the rules in force and has never been part of campaign practices. It was carried out without authorization … without Pablo Rodriguez’s complete knowledge,” the statement released Tuesday emphasized.
“Pablo Rodriguez’s campaign has never tolerated, encouraged, or organized such practices.”
The Liberal leader has been in hot water since mid-November, when several allegations surfaced regarding his leadership campaign.
UPAC opened an investigation last week.
Rodriguez has always pleaded his innocence, promising to stay in his position and fight, even though the pressure is mounting and calls for his resignation have multiplied in recent days.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
