Quebec premier leaning toward forming committee to monitor anti-corruption unit
QUEBEC — The stormy debate over the arrest of a member of Quebec’s legislature continued Wednesday as Premier Philippe Couillard said he is leaning toward the creation of an independent committee to monitor the province’s anti-corruption unit.
He told reporters it’s time to have a discussion on what kind of supervision society should have over its police forces, especially those with investigative mandates.
“How can a democratic society like ours ensure proper surveillance or framework for a police body like UPAC that is going to become an independent police institution?” he said, referring to a bill that would broaden the powers of the anti-corruption group.
His comments came a day after the unit resisted a call to fully clarify why Guy Ouellette was arrested without charges last Wednesday.