Loto-Québec exec named at corruption inquiry takes sick leave
Ex-construction boss Lino Zambito accused former Liberal party organizer of taking $30,000
Pierre Bibeau, Loto-Québec's former vice-president of communications and public affairs, announced yesterday he will be taking three months temporary leave for health reasons.
The announcement came following testimony earlier this month by former construction boss Lino Zambito, who told the Charbonneau commission that he paid Bibeau, then a Liberal party organizer, $30,000 in cash for a 2009 Quebec Liberal Party fundraiser for then senior minister Line Beauchamp. The amount Zambito gave to Bibeau was 10 times the legal donation limit at the time.
Earlier this month, Bibeau announced he planned to stay on in a reduced role at Loto-Québec, co-ordinating the company's internal communication strategy.
However, he presented a signed doctor's note at his offices yesterday and requested sick leave, Radio-Canada has learned.
Bibeau has denied Zambito's allegations.
Laval Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt also recently left on sick leave amid a series of raids by anti-corruption unit investigators at his home, office, and finanical institutions.
No date has been given for his possible return.