Quebec Ethics Commissioner Recommends $8,000 Fine for Ex-Liberal MNA

Quebec's ethics commissioner recommended an $8,000 fine Wednesday against former Liberal legislator Sona Lakhoyan Olivier for using her constituency office resources to support a rival in the 2025 provincial Liberal leadership race.

Commissioner Ariane Mignolet detailed the findings in a report released May 7, outlining how Lakhoyan Olivier organized partisan activities at her office last year to aid Pablo Rodriguez's candidacy. Rodriguez, who briefly led the party, resigned from the position in December.

Mignolet's investigation revealed that Lakhoyan Olivier directed her staff to participate in Rodriguez's campaign efforts, including attending his events, recruiting new party members and making phone calls to solicit votes. The commissioner also accused Lakhoyan Olivier of attempting to obstruct the probe by impeding access to relevant information.

The violations center on Quebec's strict rules prohibiting the use of public constituency resources for partisan purposes. Elected officials receive funding for office operations to serve constituents, not to advance internal party contests. Mignolet emphasized that such actions undermine public trust in the legislative process.