Ex-Liberal chief of staff sues Marwah Rizqy for $500,000 over dismissal

Quebec Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy speaks during question period on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at the Quebec National Assembly. (The Canadian Press/Karoline Boucher)

A former Quebec Liberal Party chief of staff has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against her former employer, Saint-Laurent MNA Marwah Rizqy.

Although CTV News has not seen the court documents, the law firm representing Geneviève Hinse told Noovo Info that the claim is based on Hinse’s allegation that she was dismissed without cause.

It is the latest twist in the deepening crisis that has rocked the party over the past week.

On Monday, Liberal party leader Pablo Rodriguez suspended Rizqy and stripped her of her parliamentary leadership duties, citing a breach of trust following Hinse’s firing.

Rodriguez said Rizqy did not consult him before dismissing Hinse, who is considered close to him. He has maintained that he does not know why Hinse was let go.

Then on Wednesday, the Journal de Montréal reported that some party members were allegedly paid to vote for Rodriguez in the leadership campaign.

“I was a minister for many years, MP for many years — never did anyone question my integrity,” Rodriguez said at party headquarters in Montreal, referring to his federal political career.

Rodriguez made the comments in response to Quebecor’s report alleging that two people who “actively worked” to elect him as Liberal leader exchanged text messages suggesting some members would receive cash rewards in exchange for votes.

The news outlet did not identify the individuals behind the text messages.

With files from the Canadian Press.