The MP Frédéric Beauchemin, who was expelled from the Liberal group following a complaint of bullying, nevertheless decided to appear before the PLQ General Council on Saturday, accompanied by about ten young activists.
• Also read: MP Frédéric Beauchemin is suspended from the PLQ caucus
• Also read: Bullying: Deputy Beauchemin assumes that the complaint will not be accepted
• Also read: Internal war in the PLQ: MP Frédéric Beauchemin is accused of bullying
The potential candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec, the member for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, defended his right to be present at the event in Drummondville, despite the presence of the alleged victim, the leader of the party’s youth commission, Élyse Moisan.
“I don’t see it as an affront. I see it more as an open liberal party that allows everyone to come under the tent. We have activists who come from all regions of Quebec. I am one of those activists,” he commented on his arrival, surrounded by his supporters.
Frédéric Beauchemin was recently expelled from the Liberal group after making a complaint about bullying. Élyse Moisan claims the elected official failed to defend her during a meeting where Mr. Beauchemin’s associates attacked her.
Ms Moisan said she felt “harassed, intimidated and threatened” during another meeting with the three staff members.
“Misunderstanding”
On Saturday, in an exchange with the English-language press, Frédéric Beauchemin described the situation as a “misunderstanding” (“Misunderstanding”). He is convinced that “everyone can emerge as a winner from this mediation process.”
For his part, the interim leader of the PLQ, Marc Tanguay, explained that the MP had been expelled from the caucus “for all the work”. Recall that after the complaint, Mr Beauchemin criticized his leadership, stating that the party was paralyzed by the lack of clear direction.
Despite his setbacks, Frédéric Beauchemin still plans to run for the leadership of the PLQ. “This in no way changes my intention to devote all my energy to revitalizing and moving the party forward,” he said.
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.