Pierre Paradis denies ethics violations

Following the tabling of a report by the National Assembly’s Ethics Commissioner Ariane Mignolet, the office of Brome-missisquoi MNA Pierre Paradis has released a statement saying that Paradis “at no time exceeded the permitted allowances and, where applicable, paid out of his personal funds any surplus.”

In her report, the ethics commissioner concluded that Paradis had used his living allowance to the benefit of his daughter and son-in-law, effectively paying their mortgage for what was intended as a shared space.

In the statement released by his office, Paradis maintained that he has fully complied with the applicable rules, and has not committed any ethical breach by living with his family. “Mr. Paradis collaborated in the investigation despite his precarious state of health,” the statement read.

Since January, Paradis has been in convalescence following an injury sustained in late December, 2016.

Mignolet’s report, in addition to recommending a financial penalty for Paradis, recommended a review of the Assembly Office’s rules on allowances to "ensure there is no disparity" between the rules and the Code of Ethics.

In his statement, Paradis said he would be comfortable with a review of all the rules and practices, which was also recommended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, on June 1, who asked the administration to present reforms to make more explicit rules governing disclosure of expenses related to the role of MNA, including housing.