Friends of Nathalie Normandeau raise cash to help her fight corruption charges

Friends of Quebec's former deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau in the Gasp are raising money to help with her legal bills as she prepares to fight a lengthy list of corruption charges.

The fund was started byAndr Poirier, a local business owner and longtime Liberal,and Fabrice Bourque, a former Liberal riding association president.

They are hoping others come forward to help a fellow Gasp native.

• NathalieNormandeau, ex-Quebec deputy premier, arrested byUPAC

Marie-ClaudeBrire, a spokesperson for the fund, said Normandeau'ssupporters aren'tafraid of any potential "backlash" because of the severity of the charges laid against her.

"For 16 years, NathalieNormandeauwas really involved as a mayor and [an MNA]andthey were really impressed by allthe work she did, so they said, 'let's help her, let's just do it, let's start a foundation, because it's really expensive,'"Briresaid.

The fund is accepting personal donationsup to $1,000.

Born and raised in theGasp

Normandeau was born inMaria, Que., a municipalityof about 2,500people in theGasp.

She served as mayor of her hometown before making the jump to provincial politics with the Quebec Liberals.

She served asQuebec's deputy premier under JeanCharestfrom 2007 to 2011 before leaving politics.

She was arrested as part of a series of raids by Quebec's anti-corruption unit, known asUPAC,in March.

Normandeau faces charges that include conspiracy, corruption, breach of trust and bribery in relation to the awarding of a contract to build a water-treatment plant inBoisbriand, Que.

The charges come with a maximum sentence of 12 years.

• NathalieNormandeau: Rise and fall of a political star