Quebec anti-corruption unit launches investigation of provincial Liberals

MONTREAL — Quebec’s anti-corruption police have launched a criminal investigation of the provincial Liberal party, which has been mired in an internal crisis for the last three weeks.

The party is facing allegations of possible vote-buying during a leadership race earlier this year that saw former federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez take the reins of the party.

The Liberal caucus has also been thrown into turmoil after former parliamentary leader Marwah Rizqy fired her chief of staff last month without consulting Rodriguez. He later expelled her from the caucus.

A spokesperson for the anti-corruption unit on Wednesday confirmed an investigation has begun, but did not offer details about the nature of the probe.

“We will not issue any further comments in order to protect our actions as much as possible and to respect the rights of those involved,” said Mathieu Galarneau. “A criminal investigation must remain confidential, and we wish to let our investigators do their work.”

In Quebec City on Wednesday, Rodriguez said he welcomes the investigation. “We want to make sure we have the truth and the whole truth,” he said. “And if anyone has done anything wrong, they should face all the consequences, both legal and within the party.”

Rodriguez brushed off questions about whether the ongoing crisis threatens his own position, saying he is “absolutely” staying on as leader. “I was duly elected by the members,” he said. “I have nothing to reproach myself for.”

The anti-corruption police first revealed last month they were validating allegations of wrongdoing before deciding whether to open an investigation of the Quebec Liberals. Rodriguez has separately asked a retired judge to investigate the allegations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2025.