Opposition seeks answers on ‘deal’ involving Quebec premier’s husband

QUEBEC – Quebec opposition parties say it’s shameful Premier Pauline Marois will likely call an election before she can be grilled on possible dealings between her husband and the province’s largest labour federation.

Marois and her spouse, Claude Blanchet, have been called to testify before a committee once the legislature resumes sitting March 11.

An Opposition motion calling for Marois and Blanchet to appear was passed Thursday, but it’s likely an election will be called before mid-March, meaning the couple won’t need to testify.

The controversy revolves around a 2009 wiretap that was played recently at the provincial corruption inquiry.

The recording captures the then-president of the Quebec Federation of Labour saying he was ready to enlist the aid of the Parti Quebecois to help thwart a corruption probe, noting the labour union has a “deal with Blanchet.”

Despite the couple insisting they did nothing wrong, the Opposition parties have said they’re not satisfied with their responses.

“We want the truth, and I think the Quebecers need (an) explanation,” said Liberal Lise Theriault, the party’s ethics critic.

If not addressed at the committee, the issue could surface during the election campaign.