PQ drops Vincent Marissal as Taschereau candidate after two days over ethical concerns

Vincent Marissal's run as a Parti Québécois candidate lasted just two days. On Wednesday, PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced he was removing Marissal from the Taschereau riding due to alleged ethical misconduct.

Marissal, a former Québec solidaire MNA, had been selected to replace candidate Jeanne Robin, who withdrew for personal reasons. His rapid departure followed what St-Pierre Plamondon described as misconduct involving an apartment he owned.

"It came to my attention today that Vincent Marissal allegedly lent his apartment, for which he received an allowance from the National Assembly, in exchange for free accommodation elsewhere in the world, through an online home exchange platform," St-Pierre Plamondon wrote on social media. "While there is no monetary gain per se, it is still an advantage with market value."

St-Pierre Plamondon said the situation likely violates the PQ's code of ethics for elected officials, which strictly forbids deriving any profit or advantage from National Assembly allowances. "Under these circumstances, even though I have a great deal of respect for Vincent Marissal, I must apply the principles that guide the Parti Québécois, without ever making an exception," he wrote. "I therefore regretfully announce that Vincent Marissal and I have agreed that he is withdrawing his candidacy in Taschereau."

Marissal, who had previously flirted with the Liberal Party of Canada, had made his entry into the pre-election campaign on Monday. The party said it would announce its new Taschereau candidate Thursday.