Former Quebec justice minister Marc Bellemare smiles while listening to a question from Quebec Liberal Party lawyer André Dugas at the inquiry into the appointment of judges in the province Wednesday in Quebec City. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)

A Quebec commission investigating allegations of Liberal Party influence-peddling in the nomination of judges was adjourned Wednesday after its key witness asked to have his status changed to that of a full participant in the inquiry.

Former justice minister Marc Bellemare was granted the right to be considered a participant rather than a mere witness, who can only answer questions.

That change will allow his lawyers to cross-examine other witnesses expected to appear before the commission, including Premier Jean Charest and influential Liberal fundraiser Franco Fava.

Public hearings before the commission are expected to resume on Tuesday. The delay is expected to give Bellemare's lawyer, Rénald Beaudry, time to prepare.

The inquiry, chaired by former Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache, was ordered by Charest in April following Bellemare's allegations that he was pressured by Fava and other Liberal Party fundraisers to name certain judges to the bench in 2003 and 2004.

Bellemare had initially balked at the idea of testifying before the commission, only reluctantly agreeing to appear after the question was brought before the courts.

Ex-minister played golf with party fundraisers

The former minister's request for new standing five days into the commission hearings comes after he spent a difficult week on the stand being cross-examined by lawyers for the other participants, including Charest, the government of Quebec and the Quebec Liberal Party.

Earlier on Wednesday, Bellemare was forced to acknowledge that he maintained a relationship with Fava and another Liberal organizer after he quit politics in 2004.

Bellemare admitted he even got together with the two for a round of golf.

Asked by Charest's lawyer why he would stay in touch with the two men who had allegedly twisted his arm, Bellemare was unable to give a clear explanation.

But, he denied that he had hoped to recruit them to help in his failed bid to become mayor of Quebec City a year later.

Change of status welcome

The commissioner's decision to award Bellemare participant status increases the credibility of the inquiry, Beaudry said on Wednesday.

André Dugas, lawyer for the Quebec Liberal Party, also welcomed the decision.

"I'm happy that he'll be there and that he'll be able to ask questions and suggest questions to his lawyer," said Dugas.

"It's a question of balance."

Charest's lawyer, André Ryan, agreed.

"What's important for us is that Mr. Bellemare, with his request, has recognized he has an undeniable interest in the commission," Ryan said.

"His participation will allow us to get to the bottom of things."

Charest filed a $700,000 defamation lawsuit against Bellemare last spring over his former cabinet minister's allegations.

With files from The Canadian Press