Jacques Boissinot The Canadian Press Liberal MP Frédéric Beauchemin at the National Assembly , June 1, 2023
The interim leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), Marc Tanguay, announced Saturday that he had asked MP Frédéric Beauchemin, the subject of a psychological harassment complaint, to withdraw from the Liberal caucus until so that light is shed on the allegation.
It was reported by the Journal de Québec, Thursday, that the president of the party's youth wing, Élyse Moisan, had filed a complaint against the member for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, according to which she felt harassed, intimidated and threatened by Mr. Beauchemin's team.
“Following recent events, I asked the MP for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Fred Beauchemin, to withdraw from the Liberal caucus while the processes aimed at shedding light are completed. We will not make any further comments at this stage,” said Mr. Tanguay, in a short statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday afternoon.
Statement following recent events. #PolQc pic.twitter.com/mpGl9Qjvsf
— Marc Tanguay (@marc_tanguay) October 7, 2023
Mr. Beauchemin, who is currently the only interested party in the party leadership race, reacted to the announcement on Saturday with a written statement.
“I acknowledge the decision rendered by the Acting Chief. I have no doubt that I will quickly reunite with my caucus colleagues at the end of the process already initiated in which I am fully collaborating,” he said, on X.
Here is my statement regarding the latest developments.
This in no way changes the fact that I will continue to give all my energy to the relaunch of the Party and afterward. #PolQc pic.twitter.com/S3pGWAb1mZ
— Frédéric Beauchemin (@FredBeauchemin) October 7, 2023
MP Beauchemin denied the allegations against him on Thursday. “The complaint against me is unfounded. There is a process for hearing it and understanding the context. We will collaborate fully on this. I have confidence that he will be able to set the record straight,” he wrote in a publication on The Youth Commission, like other party bodies, is paralyzed by the absence of clear direction,” added MP Beauchemin.
– With information from Caroline Plante