Embattled CAQ defector leaves premier’s office

Yan Plante, the Coalition Avenir Québec defector suspected by the party of having transferred sensitive information over to the Liberals, has quit his job in the premier’s office.

“Over the past few days, false allegations and lies ... have circulated about me,” Plante said in a statement. “I’ve decided to quit my functions to focus all my energy on defending my reputation and integrity ... I thank the premier for the opportunity he offered me to serve Quebecers alongside him. I would have liked it to last longer, but I think it is better this way.”

Plante was hit with a legal warning from CAQ lawyers this week urging him to destroy confidential documents he allegedly possesses, and issue a sworn statement detailing how he may have used the information. A second legal warning was delivered to his boss, Jean-Louis Dufresne, who is the premier’s chief of staff.

The CAQ alleges that Plante, who was hired to work in the premier’s office on Aug. 15, transferred strategic CAQ documents over to his personal email on six occasions in July, including the day he resigned from the party on July 27 and the day after. The CAQ says those documents include the party’s electoral strategy for the upcoming by-election in the riding of StJérôme.

CAQ MNA Simon Jolin-Barrette insisted the episode raises questions about Premier Philippe Couillard’s judgment. Couillard defended both Plante and fellow CAQ defector Frédéric Schautaud, who apologized earlier this month for copying documents.

Jolin-Barrette said Dufresne must be next to step down. “Mr. Dufresne apparently knew for a long time that Mr. Plante had some documents with him,” he said. “As a chief of staff, you cannot tolerate a situation like that.”