The Quebec Liberal Party has taken a definitive step to address a growing scandal, formally launching an independent investigation into allegations of vote buying during its recent leadership contest. The party's executive committee solidified the inquiry's framework during a meeting on Friday, appointing a respected former judge to lead the probe with a firm deadline for completion.
Scope and Mandate of the Investigation
The inquiry will be headed by retired Superior Court Judge Jacques R. Fournier. The party has directed him to complete his work and submit a final report by January 31, 2026. The Liberals have committed to making the findings public upon receipt.
In a strong statement issued to the media, Quebec Liberal Party president Rafael Ferraro emphasized the non-negotiable nature of the party's integrity. "With the official entrenchment of the mandate by the executive, the independent inquiry can proceed without delay," Ferraro stated. "We want all the light to be shed on this in a rigorous and impartial way."
Judge Fournier's mandate is comprehensive and includes several key objectives:
- Determining whether payments were made to influence votes.
- Identifying any individuals allegedly involved in such activities.
- Establishing the monetary amounts and number of votes potentially affected.
- Revealing any potential violations of Quebec's electoral laws, the party's own code of ethics, and the specific rules governing the leadership race.
- Investigating whether any of the campaign teams were aware of or participated in these alleged actions.
Origins of the Crisis and Broader Party Turmoil
The party first announced it would pursue an investigation on November 19, 2025, following a report in the Journal de Montréal. The article detailed a series of text messages that appeared to show a discussion about buying votes in the leadership race held last spring to replace former leader Dominique Anglade. That contest was ultimately won by former federal MP Pablo Rodriguez, who now leads the provincial party.
However, the vote-buying allegations are not the only crisis facing the Quebec Liberals. The party has been rocked by internal conflict after Rodriguez's parliamentary leader, Marwah Rizqy, fired her chief of staff, Geneviève Hinse, a close associate of Rodriguez. In response, Rodriguez suspended Rizqy from the Liberal caucus, stating she has not provided him with a reason for the dismissal. The dispute between Hinse and Rizqy now appears headed to the courts.
External Scrutiny and Federal Connections
The situation has also attracted the attention of provincial authorities. Last Wednesday, Quebec's anti-corruption unit, UPAC, confirmed it is speaking with various individuals regarding allegations of "reprehensible acts" within the Liberal Party. UPAC has clarified it has not yet opened a formal investigation.
Further complicating matters, a report by La Presse indicated that at least one federal MP, Fayçal El-Khoury, had made a financial contribution to Pablo Rodriguez's leadership campaign. This revelation came after El-Khoury had previously denied any involvement in the provincial race, raising additional questions about the campaign's operations and financing.
As the independent inquiry begins its work, the Quebec Liberal Party faces a critical period of scrutiny. The promise of a transparent and impartial process will be tested as Judge Fournier's investigation seeks to uncover the facts behind the allegations that have plunged the historic party into turmoil.
