Marguerite-Bourgeoys MP and potential candidate for the presidency of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), Frédéric Beauchemin, “doesn’t understand” what he might have done wrong, prompting the Young Liberals’ president, Élyse Moisan, to file a complaint about bullying against him and three members of his team.
In an interview with Radio-Canada on Friday morning, Mr. Beauchemin said he was completely stunned by the events. These were due to a dispute at the PLQ Youth Commission (CJPLQ), he said, assuring that he did not know anything further.
His last meeting with Élyse Moisan went well, assures the deputy. But a subsequent meeting between certain members of his team and the main interested party would not, we understand, have gone so well. However, Mr. Beauchemin assures that his employees have always acted well.
Ms Moisan’s complaint was lodged with both the National Assembly and the PLQ. Mediation is already underway, says the MP. A trial is underway, recalls Mr. Beauchemin, who says he is not afraid of the outcome of events.
I can’t wait for the issue to be resolved as soon as possible.
The MP now says he feels sorry for himself, but also for Élyse, the Youth Commission and the party. I find it really sad and disturbing that he is letting it go.
Blockings are to be expected
According to our information, Mr Beauchemin’s three employees affected by the complaint could be temporarily suspended from the management of the CJPLQ.
The youth wing’s regional presidents’ committee also planned to meet Friday evening to pass a resolution to that effect, Radio-Canada has learned.
The President of the CJPLQ, who is also the originator of the complaint against Mr Beauchemin and his associates, would also be suspended while light is shed on the incidents.
Another version of the story
Before filing a complaint of bullying against Frédéric Beauchemin and three of his employees, Élyse Moisan apparently found herself in a similar situation.
Radio-Canada obtained a series of text messages between several CJPLQ board members calling for Ms. Moisan’s resignation.
In particular, they accused her of engaging in bullying within the Commission, of creating an unhealthy working atmosphere and of having a demotivating attitude.
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In addition to Frédéric Beauchemin’s staff, another member of the youth department was involved in this exchange and supported the process aimed at Ms Moisan’s resignation.
However, she only took up her position as president of the youth department less than two months ago, which raises the question of whether it is actually possible that she could have turned the working atmosphere around in such a short time.
This also leads certain sources to question the motives of those who wanted to see her resign, knowing that Ms. Moisan is participating in the PLQ leadership discussions with a view to the future leadership contest and that Frédéric Beauchemin is the only potential candidate is currently a candidate.
A newcomer to politics who aspires to be a leader
Mr Beauchemin, who appears to have caused discontent within his own party by saying on Thursday that his comments could have offended colleagues.
“But what do you want, I’m watching it,” the MP reiterated in an interview on Friday. “I may not have communicated it optimally, but I’m new to politics,” he remembers.
I’ve called a spade a spade, but we’re making progress. The goal is for us to move forward in the future.
Frédéric Beauchemin, a former banker at CIBC, was elected in the 2022 Marguerite-Bourgeoys election in Montreal, while the PLQ recorded its worst result in its history with less than 15% of the vote.
He is currently the only MP interested in succeeding Dominique Anglade, as his colleagues Marc Tanguay, Marwah Rizqy, André Fortin and Monsef Derraji have decided not to take the step. Joël Lighbound, who works for the PLC in Ottawa, could also make the jump, but his considerations have not yet been finalized.
The rules of the race should normally be announced at the PLQ General Council, which will take place in Drummondville on October 14th and 15th.