Renaud Philippe Archives Le Devoir Marie-Dominique Taillon says she was sacked “without cause” by the government, a decision she does not intend to contest.
Stung by the allegations of a Liberal MP, a former assistant deputy minister defended her integrity on Friday, claiming to have been fired “without cause” by the government, a decision she does not intend to contest.
Marie-Dominique Taillon responded to Marwah Rizqy, who questioned this week about the reasons which allowed her to obtain a starting bonus of around $200,000, despite doubts raised about her management.
“Contrary to certain statements, Ms. Taillon is not aware of any allegations of embezzlement, mismanagement or any investigation of a criminal nature against her,” indicates a press release which refers in particular to the comments of Ms. Rizqy.
A decree published this week reveals that the Council of Ministers terminated Ms. Taillon's contract on November 1. Appointed assistant deputy minister of Education in March 2022, her contract was however valid until 2027.
Ms. Taillon does not intend to contest the government's decision, indicated her spokesperson, Jean-Maurice Duddin.
“A termination clause without cause is included in the contract,” a- he responded to Devoir.
“Golden parachute”
In June, the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, himself announced the temporary suspension of Ms. Taillon following the publication of a report in Devoirwhich covered the period when she was at the head of the Marie-Victorin School Service Center, from 2018 to 2022.
The minister recalled the two analyzes of the work climate already begun by the CSS, which is also the target of an investigation by the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC).
This week, Ms. Rizqy stressed that the government had contractual clauses to avoid the payment of a severance allowance, after the termination of Ms. Taillon's contract.
“She is entitled to a severance allowance, even though she was facing allegations of a criminal nature,” noted the member for Saint-Laurent in an exchange with Mr. Drainville, in parliamentary committee.
Ms. Rizqy maintained that public opinion was very sensitive to situations where “golden parachutes” are offered to leaders of the senior public service.
“If you have committed a mistake, there is a dismissal is dismissal, she said. Generally, the exclusion clause is applied. »
Ms. Taillon's press release, sent “in reaction to the comments of Ms. Marwah Rizqy in particular”, states that the government has chosen to terminate her contract and respect its terms, which provide in particular for the payment of a severance allowance.
“Following the government’s decision, she is retiring from the public service to explore new avenues in the private sector,” said the press release.
With Zacharie Goudreault
More details will follow.