Interim ADQ leader refuses to apologize

The interim leader of the Action Démocratique du Québec is refusing to apologize for her allegations that three cabinet ministers went aboard a boat belonging to Tony Accurso — the construction entrepreneur at the centre of Montreal’s water-meter scandal.

Sylvie Roy made the allegations Thursday as the opposition continued its push for a public inquiry into allegations of collusion in the construction industry.

Premier Jean Charest called the allegations false, saying all three ministers in question — Transport Minister Julie Boulet; Junior Transport Minister Norman MacMillan; and former labour minister David Whissell — denied having been on Accurso's boat.

Roy's allegations were also disputed by Accurso.

On Wednesday, the government signaled its intention to table a motion of blame against Roy.

If accepted by the Speaker of the national assembly, Yvon Vallières, the motion could force Roy to apologize for the comments — or even strip her of her seat.

In a news conference Wednesday, Roy, the MNA for Lotbinière, accused the government of political intimidation.

"Instead of putting the construction industry on trial, the Charest government is … putting me on trial because I decided to ask questions," Roy said.

Roy said she spent an hour in terror on Wednesday after a national assembly page was sent to her office to ask for her home address, claiming to have been sent by Liberal whip Pierre Moreau.

When Moreau denied having sought the information, Roy said she called provincial police — only to find out the request came from Boulet’s office. 

Roy said Boulet eventually sent her a lawyer’s letter by fax demanding she retract her comments.

But Roy pointed out she never named the ministers — it was the premier who did so.

New leader in legislature

ADQ leader Gilles Taillon announced Wednesday that Shefford MNA Francois Bonnardel would replace Roy as the party’s leader in the legislature, rejecting a request from his main opponent that he be allowed to lead the party.

Taillon was elected leader of the party Oct. 18 by only two votes over his opponent, La Peltrie MNA Éric Caire, and does not yet hold a seat in the national assembly.

Taillon said that Roy did not wish to remain at the helm of the party, but would continue to act as ADQ house leader.

Taillon said he fully supported Roy's controversial comments and thanked her for her work.

Taillon said rejected the idea of sharing power with Caire.

"It was unacceptable," he said. "I was elected leader … my [opponents] recognized that I was a legitimate leader, and I am acting as leader."

"The party members, if they have the [interests] of the ADQ at heart, they must respect the results of the democratic vote," Taillon said.

Taillon said he has no concerns about the fact that Bonnardel is dating Deputy Premier Nathalie Normandeau.

"That is a private question, and nothing has shown me that Mr. Bonnardel cannot do an excellent job — he has already proven it," Taillon said.