The Liberal Party (PLQ) is facing scrutiny over payments made to volunteers who donated $500 in Pablo Rodriguez’s leadership race. A total of 14 individuals received a lump sum payment of $1,000 after contributing to the campaign. Despite concerns raised by the opposition, Michelle Setlakwe, the co-chair of Rodriguez’s campaign, defended the payments and stated that there was no issue with the transactions.
Le Journal de Québec initially reported the payments, revealing that nine of the individuals who received $1,000 had originally donated $500 to support Rodriguez’s leadership bid. While it is not illegal to provide lump sum payments to volunteers during a leadership race, the Chief Electoral Officer (DGEQ) is currently investigating the matter to ensure compliance with electoral regulations.
Political parties are bound by strict rules governing fundraising and expenditures during leadership races and elections. One key regulation prohibits individuals from making contributions with the expectation of receiving something in return, such as reimbursement for a donation. In response to the controversy, the PLQ clarified that the $14,000 distributed to volunteers was sourced from the surplus funds accumulated during Rodriguez’s campaign, with the intention of transferring it to the party’s funds.
Despite the party’s attempt to redirect the surplus to the party’s coffers being denied by the DGEQ, the decision was made to provide monetary compensation to those who had dedicated significant volunteer hours to the campaign.
