Pablo Rodriguez says he was unaware of PLQ donor reimbursements

Quebec Liberal Party leader Pablo Rodriguez holds a press conference at the National Assembly on Dec. 12, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot)

Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) Leader Pablo Rodriguez says he was not aware of potentially illegal acts that may have taken place during his leadership campaign.

On Tuesday, Le Journal de Montréal reported that $500 envelopes were allegedly handed to about 20 donors to Rodriguez’s leadership race to reimburse their contributions.

The exchanges are said to have taken place in April during a fundraising event hosted by a wealthy businessman who was not identified by the newspaper.

“Pablo was present at the event (…) but neither he nor his campaign team had any knowledge of reimbursements made to participants or donors,” the Liberal leader’s team said Tuesday.

“It was only after tips were provided by a journalist and through Mr. Rodriguez’s schedule that we were able to identify the person involved.

“When confronted, that individual acknowledged reimbursing (…) some of her own employees who did not have the financial means to attend the event,” the statement said.

Rodriguez’s team called the act “unacceptable” and said a lawyer has been mandated to file complaints with Quebec’s anti-corruption unit (UPAC) and the province’s chief electoral officer.

“This act is (…) contrary to ethics and the rules in force and was never part of the campaign’s practices. It was carried out without authorization (…) and without Pablo Rodriguez’s knowledge.

“The Pablo Rodriguez campaign never tolerated, encouraged or organized such practices,” the statement issued Tuesday added.

Rodriguez has been under pressure since mid-November, after several allegations related to his leadership campaign surfaced in the media.

UPAC opened an investigation last week.

Rodriguez has consistently maintained his innocence, vowing to remain in his position and fight on, even as pressure mounts and calls for his resignation have multiplied in recent days.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Dec. 16, 2025.