Quebec Premier François Legault announced on Thursday that he will be making a ministerial adjustment to replace Pierre Fitzgibbon, the province’s Minister of Economy and Innovation.
The decision comes after Fitzgibbon was found to have violated the province’s ethics code by holding shares in a company that was awarded government contracts. Legault stated that he had lost confidence in Fitzgibbon’s ability to continue in his role as Minister.
In a statement, Legault said, “I have asked Pierre Fitzgibbon to step down from his position as Minister of Economy and Innovation. I believe that it is important for our government to maintain the highest ethical standards and to ensure that there is no conflict of interest in our decision-making process.”
Fitzgibbon, who has been in the role since 2018, has accepted the decision and will be stepping down from his position. Legault has not yet announced who will be replacing Fitzgibbon, but stated that he will be making the announcement in the coming days.
The Premier also took the opportunity to thank Fitzgibbon for his service and contributions to the province’s economy during his time as Minister. He acknowledged that Fitzgibbon had played a key role in attracting foreign investment and creating jobs in Quebec.
This ministerial adjustment comes at a critical time for the province as it continues to navigate the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Legault assured that the replacement for Fitzgibbon will be someone who is capable and committed to driving the province’s economic recovery.
The decision to replace Fitzgibbon has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising Legault for upholding ethical standards and others expressing disappointment in losing a key member of the government’s economic team.
Legault’s announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government, and the need for elected officials to uphold the highest ethical standards in their roles.
The Premier’s office has not yet announced when the new Minister of Economy and Innovation will be sworn in, but it is expected to happen in the coming days.
