Quebec labour minister quits to keep company
David Whissell says he did no wrong and allegations sullied his reputation
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 | 4:40 PM ET
CBC News
Related
Internal Links
Quebec Labour Minister David Whissell resigned from cabinet Wednesday. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press) Quebec Labour Minister David Whissell has resigned from cabinet over controversy about his stake in a construction firm.
Whissell, 42, had fended off criticism this week about his co-ownership of ABC Rive-Nord, a asphalting company that does business with the province's Transport Ministry.
ABC Rive-Nord has won about $800,000 in government contracts, many without tenders — including one worth $564,000 for paving work in Whissell's riding.
The member of the national assembly for Argenteuil insists he did nothing wrong under Quebec's government ethics guidelines, but is relinquishing his cabinet post to maintain his holdings in the company.
Allegations of impropriety have hurt his reputation, but he's still proud of his family's long history in the construction business, Whissell told reporters in Quebec City.
Premier Jean Charest stood by Whissell's side during his resignation announcement.
Charest said his former minister's decision has prompted him to review ethics guidelines for cabinet ministers. From now on, anyone who owns a company that deals with the government will not be allowed to sit in cabinet, Charest said.
Share Tools
Latest Montreal News Headlines
- Quebec students ready for tuition hike, says one leader
- The president of Quebec's College Student Federation (FECQ), Leo Bureau-Blouin, tells CBC Radio's The House that students "are ready for a compromise on the amount of a tuition hike," as the Quebec government and the province's student associations prepare to resume talks. more »
- Tornado touchdown confirmed near Montreal
- Trees were uprooted, roofs damaged and windows shattered as severe thunderstorms, and a tornado rattled through southwestern Quebec Friday night. more »
- Champlain Bridge road work blitz this weekend
- Transport Quebec is advising drivers to avoid the Champlain Bridge corridor this weekend as a blitz of major road work closes down some lanes. more »
- IOC's Jacques Rogge encourages Olympic bids for Quebec City, Toronto
- International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge believes there is an opportunity for either Quebec City or Toronto to host a future Olympic Games. more »
- Casserole pan-demonium in Quebec
- Residents take to the streets with pots and pans to protest Bill 78. more »
Top News Headlines
- Everest team unable to bring down Toronto woman's body
- Bad weather has hampered the recovery team that is attempting to bring down the body of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest. more »
- 32 Syrian children die in artillery attack, says UN
- More than 90 people have been killed by regime forces in a district of central Syria, with the head of the UN team in the country confirming at least 32 children and 60 adults were killed the attack. more »
- Aylmer triple stabbing leads to first-degree murder charges
- The estranged partner of a young mother who was stabbed to death along with her parents at their home in Aylmer, Que., has been charged with first-degree murder Friday. more »
- The risks and responsibilities of taking on Mt. Everest
- The deaths of six climbers last weekend on Mt. Everest, with more summits underway this weekend, fuels the debate about the risks and responsibilities of high altitude climbing. more »
Most Viewed/Commented
- Tornado touchdown confirmed near Montreal
- 32nd night protest in Montreal
- Quebec students challenge Bill 78 in court
- Mysterious photos may shed light on 2004 Quebec homicide
- Quebec faces mounting pressure amid student crisis
- Ottawa man in hospital after lightning strike
- Aylmer triple stabbing leads to first-degree murder charges
- Son testifies on behalf of father accused of killing wife
- Bookies set odds on Quebec student protest
