Quebec opposition unites to demand inquiry

Members of the opposition at the Quebec national assembly are demanding a public inquiry into allegations of corruption in the construction industry and concerns about political party financing practices..

Members of the Parti Qubcois, Qubec Solidaire and two independent MNAs stood together on the steps of the legislature clad in white scarves which they said symbolize truth and transparency.

"What we are asking for is a public, transparent inquiry that will cover the construction industry, the awarding of contracts, the awarding of permits," PQ Leader Pauline Marois said.

"Today it is no longer an ideological question, it is not a partisan question, it is a question of public interest," she told reporters. "We are speaking on behalf of thousands of people who are addressing the issue with us constantly in our ridings."

'Pauline Marois smells the blood of power, and that's not the kind of politics I want to do.' ADQ Leader Grard Deltell

The inquiry would look at the financing practices of all of Quebec's provincial parties as well as municipal politicians, Marois said.

The coalition appealed to voters in Liberal-held ridings to put pressure on their MNAs to demand an inquiry.

"I'm convinced that one day or another, Mr. Charest will have to do that, or resign," said Qubec Solidaire MNA Amir Khadir.

ADQ not participating

Noticeably absent from the announcement were the four Action Dmocratique MNAs.

The ADQ was the first to call for a public inquiry into questions surrounding the construction industry last year, but party leader Grard Deltell said he could not bring himself to join the PQ-led coalition.

He accused Marois of trying to orchestrate a putsch.

"Pauline Marois smells the blood of power, and that's not the kind of politics I want to do," Deltell said.

Members of the opposition have been calling for an inquiry into allegations of collusion and corruption since media reports suggested a small number of construction firms had joined together, with the help of criminal organizations, to drive up the price of public construction contracts.

Premier Jean Charest was forced to call an inquiry into the province's process for naming judges after former Justice Minister Marc Bellemare claimed he was pressured to name Liberal-friendly candidates to the bench.

Media reports have suggested permits for daycare spaces had been allotted in return for donations to the Liberal Party.

Then, earlier this month, Charest was forced to fire his family minister, after Tony Tomassi admitted to having used a credit card belonging to a private security firm for his own use.

On Wednesday, the premier continued to reject the demands for a public inquiry.

Charest said the government has already formed a specialized police squad to investigate allegations of collusion and corruption. And, he said construction industry regulations have been toughened to try to keep out criminal elements.