By Canadian Press

Élections Québec probe after couple says they were told to donate to meet minister

Feb 19, 2024 | 1:05 PM

Quebec’s elections agency is investigating donations totalling $200 made to the governing Coalition Avenir Québec by a couple who say they were told they could meet the transport minister if they donated.

Élections Québec spokesperson Julie St-Arnaud-Drolet says information made public suggests the two donations of $100 each were made in exchange for something, which is against the law.

Antoine Bittar and Élizabeth Rivera told a legislature committee two weeks ago that a staff member of the CAQ said they should attend a fundraising cocktail if they wanted to meet Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault.

The couple, whose daughter died in a car crash involving a drunk driver, were trying to convince the minister to lower the province’s legal blood-alcohol content level to .05 per cent from .08 per cent.

Quebec’s election law limits annual contributions to $100 per person, except in years when elections are held and an additional $100 is permitted.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press