Less than a month after leaving his position as senior director of the battery sector at Investissement Québec (IQ), Simon Thibault has been lobbying to demand public money from his former employer on behalf of General Motors (GM), it has been observed The newspaper.
In late March, Le Journal reported that Simon Thibault announced his departure from IQ two years after his arrival. Radio-Canada then announced that he was going to GM.
However, Le Journal noted that the name of Simon Thibault had just been added to the lobbyists’ register. We learn that he began lobbying for GM on April 17, a few weeks after he left IQ on March 24.
GM crop project
As GM and POSCO Chemical plan to build a plant in Bécancour estimated to be worth more than $500 million, the new lobbyist’s role is clear.
“Discussions related to funding (grant, loan or other) to support the construction of a new cathode-active materials facility in Bécancour, Quebec,” it said.
“The funds would be used, among other things, for hiring staff and the construction costs of the project,” it said.
Four public institutions are targeted: the City of Bécancour, Investissement Québec, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Ministry of the Environment.
Interviewed by Le Journal, Simon Thibault declined our interview request and sent the ball back to GM Communications in Detroit.
“General Motors is pleased to welcome Simon Thibault as leader of the VE Critical Materials organization and as a member of the VE Critical Materials Center of Excellence,” said a GM spokesman.
Not dating IQ yet
Investissement Québec, along with Le Journal, pointed out that it has not yet met with Simon Thibault on requests for financial assistance.
“In the performance of his duties at IQ, Mr. Thibault has signed confidentiality agreements which he must continue to respect,” said IQ spokeswoman Isabelle Fontaine.
The Investors Department also reminded that Mr. Thibault is subject to the state-owned company’s code of ethics and that he was reminded of his obligation to comply with the Lobbying Act prior to his departure.
Complies with the law
Earlier today, Lobbyisme Québec confirmed to the journal that the rules governing a director’s position, like Simon Thibault’s, allow him to act as a lobbyist in accordance with the law.
Ministers must wait two years after taking office before lobbying.
The ban is one year for cabinet officials.