Head of Quebec's anti-collusion squad fired
CBC News
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 1:34 PM ET
Last Updated: Oct 28, 2011 6:53 PM ET
Jacques Ducheneau's report on corruption in the road construction industry, made public in the fall, described an industry rife with back room deals and inflated costs. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)
The man some credit for forcing the hand of the Quebec government to call a corruption inquiry has been fired from the province's anti-collusion task force.
Jacques Duchesneau was reportedly notified Friday morning his contract with the province's anti-collusion squad had been terminated.
A spokesperson with the permanent anti-corruption unit (UPAC) confirmed early Friday afternoon Duchesneau would no longer be heading the squad.
Robert Lafrenière, the head of UPAC, indicated earlier this month he was upset with Duchesneau's criticism of the unit.
Duchesneau, a former Montreal police chief, was being paid $250,000 a year in the position.
His contract was supposed to run until next March.
Opposition parties are critical of the move, saying Duchesneau was viewed by Quebecers as above reproach in the fight against corruption.
The Parti Québécois is expected to comment later Friday afternoon
The province's anti-corruption unit was created in February 2011 with a mandate of investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, influence peddling and embezzlement in the province. Duchesneau's squad was absorbed into the permanent unit.
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