New Que. anti-corruption boss gets to work

The head of Quebec's new, permanent anti-corruption squad is confident he can get the job done despite a boycott from province's Crown prosecutors.

Robert Lafrenière, who the government appointed to the post on Wednesday, said he is trying to resolve the impasse with the top prosecutor Louis Dionne.

The prosecutors said they wouldn't work with the unit as a response to a legislated contract settlement imposed on them recently by the provincial government.

"I admit that it is a problem… We will talk to find a solution," said Lafrenière told CBC Radio on Thursday.

Lafrenière said he might have to use senior prosecutors to staff the unit, which needs about 20 prosecutors and 10 support staff.

The association representing the prosecutors thinks the squad will have a hard time finding enough qualified Crown lawyers since many are leaving the province after the recent labour dispute.

The Quebec government named Lafrenière, who has a lengthy background in police work, as the first commissioner of its anti-corruption squad on Wednesday.

The unit, which has a budget of $31.5 million, was formed in the wake of demands for a public inquiry into corruption in the construction industry.

It's based on New York City's department of investigation, one of the oldest law-enforcement organizations in the United States.

Long career in policing

Lafrenière has previously worked as the deputy minister of public security for the province. He also headed up the criminal investigations division of La Sûreté du Québec.

Public Security Minister Robert Dutil said Quebecers should have confidence in Lafrenière.

"I know that he's the best guy we can have to occupy this function. So I appreciate greatly that he accepts to do this job for the next five years," said Dutil.