Vincent Marissal has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the Parti Québécois in the Taschereau riding after facing allegations of an ethics violation, as announced by Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon on Wednesday. This development comes shortly after Marissal, who had been serving as an Independent after departing Québec Solidaire, was designated as the candidate for a constituency that had historically supported the PQ for many years.
St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards, particularly regarding the use of public funds. Allegations arose that Marissal had utilized an online home-exchange platform to exchange his Quebec City apartment, funded by a National Assembly housing allowance, for complimentary accommodation abroad. Despite no monetary transactions taking place, this arrangement still conferred a substantial financial benefit to Marissal, stemming from taxpayer funds.
Citing the party’s ethical code that prohibits personal gains from National Assembly allowances, St-Pierre Plamondon expressed his respect for Marissal but underscored the necessity of upholding the Parti Québécois’ principles unequivocally. A replacement candidate for the Taschereau riding will be announced by the party on Thursday.
Marissal’s departure from Québec Solidaire last year was marked by controversy, as he was suspended from the caucus for engaging in discussions with the PQ regarding a potential electoral candidacy. Marissal clarified that his decision to leave QS was voluntary and later confirmed that he would not be participating in the upcoming election.
In a social media post on Monday introducing Marissal as a new party member, St-Pierre Plamondon highlighted their prior proximity as desk neighbors in the National Assembly’s Blue Room over the past four years.