Nathalie Normandeau says MNAs boycotting radio show 'irresponsible'

Nathalie Normandeau, the former deputy premier fallen from grace after being slapped with multiple corruption charges, says she is disappointed in Quebec political parties' decision to boycott her new radio show.

Normandeau, who was a radio host when she was arrested in March by the province's anti-corruption unit, UPAC, will be back on the airwaves Sept. 6 on Quebec City station BLVD 102.1.

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Last week, every provincial party from the ruling Liberals to the Official Opposition decided not to grant any interviews to the former high-profile minister.

Normandeau said the decision was '"very disappointing" and "irresponsible"

"Why? Because they have violated a principle, a fundamental right of our democracy and justice system – that of the presumption of innocence," she said.

According to her, Liberal MNAs were not even consulted on their party's decision to steer clear of her talk show.

Not afraid to talk politics

Speaking at a press conference for the Quebec City radio station's new programming, Normandeau said she had no qualms about addressing political topics on her new drive-home show, 100% Normandeau.

"I feel extremely comfortable talking about all subjects," she said, but added she would feel "a little uneasy" discussing  anything to do with UPAC.

'Ms. Normandeau was thrown under the bus by the Quebec Liberal party. She is innocent. She hasn't been found guilty of anything.'- André Arthur, radio talk show host

Normandeau added that several federal ministers indicated they would accept her interview requests.

The radio host will nevertheless be limited by the charges against her and would avoid discussing her UPAC.

'She is innocent': André Arthur

Normandeau will share 15 minutes of her upcoming show with André Arthur, the longtime CHOI 98.1 Radio X host and equally controversial public figure.

Arthur – known as King Arthur to his fans – abruptly announced his retirement from the Quebec City radio station in late April, a move that is widely believed to do with offensive remarks made on air.

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Also present at the BLVD 102.1 press conference, Arthur, who will have his own show, stood behind his new colleague.

"Ms. Normandeau was thrown under the bus by the Quebec Liberal party. She is innocent. She hasn't been found guilty of anything," he told reporters.

Leclerc Communications, which runs the radio station, says it isn't concerned about Arthur staying in line, though his show will prerecorded.

The decision to put Arthur and Normandeau at the helm of new talk show programming has been seen as an attempt by BLVD 102.1 to move up in ratings.

According to Numeris, the station finished eighth and last in ratings this spring.