Quebec Liberal MNAs sworn in at National Assembly
Parti Québécois and Coalition Avenir Québec MNAs sworn in on April 22, Québec Solidaire on May 2
The newly elected Liberal Party of Quebec was sworn in at the National Assembly Thursday, though some would say it was under a dark cloud.
MNA-elect Rita De Santis said the day was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the party's new MNAs, many of whom are brand new to the job.
But premier-designate Philippe Couillard spent most of his time with the media talking about recently unveiled allegations that an MNA re-elected in this month's provincial election was currently under investigation by Quebec's anti-corruption unit, UPAC.
Still, Couillard and the other 69 elected members of the Liberal team attended the ceremony in "the Red Room" on Thursday afternoon.
The ceremony came after a symbolic passing of the torch on Wednesday with Pauline Marois welcoming Couillard to his new office before heading off to lead her final PQ cabinet meeting.
- Pauline Marois delivers final speech as Quebec premier
- Quebec anti-corruption unit investigates re-elected MNA
The outgoing cabinet members say they are leaving office with their heads held high, although Bernard Drainville admits the party has some soul searching ahead.
Couillard will form his cabinet in the coming days before unveiling it next week.
Radio-Canada is reporting the UPAC anti-corruption squad has a handful of Charest-era Liberals in its sights, including one re-elected MNA who will take the oath of office this afternoon.
Couillard is promising a government free of any appearance of corruption.
The 30 MNAs from the PQ and 22 from Coalition Avenir Québec will be sworn in on April 22, while three members of Québec solidaire will have to wait until May 2 to officially start work.