Rodriguez's future in question as Quebec Liberals delay caucus meeting

An early morning Quebec Liberal Party caucus meeting Wednesday has been delayed until this afternoon as speculation swirls over leader Pablo Rodriguez’s political future.

La Presse reported Wednesday that Rodriguez had called people close to him “in tears” Tuesday, questioning his future as Liberal leader.

Allegations published in the Journal de Montréal on Tuesday — among the latest in a series of reports that have now rocked the Liberals for a month — said that a “businessman” had reimbursed participants $500 each at a fundraising event that Rodriguez attended in exchange for contributing to the now Liberal leader’s campaign.

Organizers who worked for Rodriguez’s leadership campaign said later Tuesday that they had confronted the businessman, who allegedly admitted to reimbursing donors. Both the organizers and a spokesperson for Rodriguez say Rodriguez did not have any knowledge of the alleged payments. The organizers have asked Quebec’s anti-corruption unit to investigate.

Le Journal, La Presse and Radio-Canada have all reported that wine and port importer and producer Emanuel Cabral, president of Global International Networks Wines & Spirits, was the businessman in question. His lawyer, Mario Proulx, would not confirm or deny that Cabral was involved in the alleged transactions.

Le Journal reported Wednesday said Geneviève Hinse, the fired chief of staff of ex-Liberal house leader Marwah Rizqy, had been tasked with overseeing financing at that event. It also reported there is “no evidence” that Hinse was aware of the alleged reimbursements.

Jacques Martineau, who was spokesperson for Rodriguez’s campaign, told Le Journal that Hinse’s role in the event “administrative” and said that she hadn’t necessarily organized the event.

The Gazette has reached out to Hinse’s lawyer for comment.

Initially scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Liberal MNAs are now expected to meet at 2 p.m.

This report will be updated.