Quebec Labour Minister Sam Hamad is promising to get to the bottom of allegations of intimidation and discrimination on construction sites in the province’s North Shore region.

Quebec Natural Resources Minsiter Nathalie Normandeau and Labour Minister Sam Hamad respond to reporters questions at the national assembly on Tuesday. (CBC)On Tuesday, Hamad confirmed the province’s construction commission has sent a team of four investigators — including its chief investigator — to the region.

The minister held a news conference in Quebec City to respond to the allegations made against a Quebec construction union steward accused of intimidating workers.

"For us, the situation on the North Shore is very worrisome — not just on the worksite, but for the population in general," Hamad told reporters.

So far, investigators have met with more than 100 people and he said the number of complaints that have been made is on the increase.

"I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of intimidation or discrimination to denounce it as soon as possible," said Hamad.

He dismissed suggestions that more legislative changes are needed. He said the government has already put in place laws to prevent dishonest entrepreneurs from being able to operate in the province and to block intimidation.

"As long as there are bad apples in the system, nothing will change. We are trying to weed out the bad apples," said Hamad.

Protest blocks work on Romaine River

Natural Resources Minister Nathalie Normandeau said the government was also concerned about a protest by unemployed workers outside Hydro-Québec’s Romaine River project.

The protesters, who have stopped work on the site, claim hiring practices favour workers with the FTQ-Construction.

Protesters have blocked access to the Romaine River project since Monday. (CBC)

"We can’t leave a $6.5-billion worksite shut down," said Normandeau, adding delays will increase the cost of the project. "For the benefit of the … region and for the benefit of Quebec’s economy, we want that worksite back up and running quickly — we won’t tolerate any delay."

Union rep denies intimidation

Also on Tuesday, the man at the centre of the intimidation allegations denied any wrongdoing and claimed he's the victim of a smear campaign.

Bernard Gauthier was the subject of an investigative report that alleged he bullies, intimidates and coerces unionized construction workers in Quebec's North Shore region in order to wield his influence and control contracts.

Gauthier, also known as "Rambo," represents FTQ-Construction Local 791, a heavy machinery operators union in Sept-Îles on Quebec's North Shore.

At a news conference Tuesday, Gauthier said he's never needed to intimidate anyone and is only doing his job to ensure his members get work, that contracts stay in the region and that problem employees are dealt with appropriately.

"Maybe some people would see that as intimidation, to be told that 'Brother, you don't fit in anymore,'" Gauthier told reporters as dozens of his members wearing Local 791 baseball hats looked on.FTQ union steward Bernard Gauthier says he doesn't bully or threaten union members.

The Enquête report was broadcast by CBC's French-language service last week.

It included testimony from anonymous union members who allege Gauthier threatened to physically harm them if they did not heed his directives.

"From the tip of the toes to the end of your hair — we're talking big, physical threats … legs, arms and teeth," said a foreman who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Some witnesses interviewed in the report allege Gauthier oversees a team of men available to intimidate anyone who opposes him.

Witnesses interviewed for the report also allege that their union affiliation was attacked when they applied for certain jobs.

"He told me 'if you join another union, you might as well throw yourself off the dock," said one anonymous unionized member interviewed by Enquête.

Gauthier accused other labour groups active in the region of fostering a violent image of him to get their share of major construction projects.