The Coalition Avenir Québec says it’s prepared to end donations to political parties, after several CAQ members were accused of soliciting $100 donations from mayors hoping to meet with ministers.
Jean-François Roberge, the minister responsible for democratic institutions, raised that possibility on Wednesday amid strong criticism from opposition parties, which allege the governing party is monetizing access to its members.
The Canadian Press reported earlier this week that almost half of Quebec’s mayors have contributed to the governing party’s coffers since the 2021 municipal election, for a total of nearly $100,000.
But for things to change, Roberge says, the opposition parties would need to agree to end political donations, which are an important source of revenue for parties that have a small share of seats in the legislature.
“If the opposition wants us to reopen the discussion, if they are ready, if the opposition are ready, let’s all say, ‘let’s …