Quebec Liberals target Ouellet’s use of resources
The Quebec Liberals have asked the National Assembly’s office of internal management to rule on the use of the institution’s resources by independent MNA Martine Ouellet, who is also seeking the leadership of the Bloc Québécois.
Government whip Stéphane Billette said he has concerns over a press conference held by Ouellet on National Assembly grounds during which she discussed the role of the federal government in maintaining head offices in Quebec.
“It’s still the same concern: is this person here to represent the interests of the citizens of Vachon (Ouellet’s provincial riding) or in a race for the leadership (of the Bloc)?” he said.
As far as Billette is concerned, Ouellet’s comments during the press conference had nothing to do with her riding.
“It’s not for me to make the decision,” he said. “But I have serious questions. The role of an MNA is to represent their constituents. I hope the citizens of Vachon aren’t collateral victims of a leadership race for the Bloc Québécois.”
Billette was unable to say when the office of internal management, of which he’s a member, would make a decision on the issue.
Earlier, Ouellet told journalists that confusion over her role was impossible, even if the statement issued after the press conference bore the logos of the National Assembly and the House of Commons.
Ouellet said the federal insignia was on the document because Bloc MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval, who supports her leadership candidacy, was a part of her statement to the press.
She also said candidates in the last two PQ leadership campaigns had used rooms in the National Assembly for press briefings on issues linked to their roles as MNAs.
“I use my role as an MNA to do my job as an MNA as I’ve always done for six years ... and as my colleagues have also done during different leadership races,” she said.
Ouellet said her opinions as an MNA cannot be separated from those she expresses as a Bloc leadership candidate.
“I’m the same person,” she said. “So I’m not going to change my position with each role I occupy.”