Quebec anti-corruption boss alleges smear attempts
Probe found backroom dealings in construction sector
CBC News
Posted: Sep 26, 2011 9:35 AM ET
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2011 9:31 AM ET
Jacques Duchesneau's decision to appear on the popular talk show before speaking to a national assembly committee raised some eyebrows. (Radio-Canada)
The head of Transport Quebec's anti-corruption squad says that he has been the target of repeated efforts to discredit his reputation since he took up his post.
Jacques Duchesneau accepted the job of looking into allegations of corruption in the province's construction industry in February 2010. At least five times since then people have tried to tarnish his reputation, he told Radio-Canada's Tout le monde en parle on Sunday
Duchesneau is the author of a report leaked to the media two weeks ago that claims corruption and bid-rigging are widespread in the Quebec construction industry.
The anti-corruption chief said the most notable threat to his reputation occurred when he had to step aside temporarily as head of the anti-collusion unit while Quebec's director general of elections looked into allegations of illegal fundraising when the former Montreal police chief ran for mayor of the city in 1998. Duchesneau was cleared of any wrongdoing earlier this year.
On Tout le monde en parle Sunday evening, Duchesneau was asked whether the sensitive nature of his investigation worried him.
He answered no, saying "You shouldn't live in fear," before inviting the show's host Guy A. Lepage to start his car for him every morning.
During the show, Duchesneau also spoke about his view that an inquiry into the industry is warranted. The former police chief believes the investigation should be presided over by a panel of three judges behind closed doors.
The calls for a public inquiry into the province's construction industry have fallen on deaf ears so far, with Premier Jean Charest repeating he has faith in police investigators charged to clean up the sector.
Duchesneau will testify before a national assembly public administration committee Tuesday, and will likely face a six-hour grilling over his leaked report, which documents a system massively infiltrated by organized crime elements linked to construction companies.
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