Jean Charest in court for defamation lawsuit
Quebec Premier Jean Charest will be interrogated at the Quebec City courthouse Wednesday morning, as a defamation lawsuit against his former justice minister enters its preliminary stage.
Bellemare, who joined the Liberal ranks as a star candidate in the 2003 Quebec election, served as justice minister until 2004. He claims he was pressured by high-ranking Liberal organizers to name certain lawyers to the bench while he served in Charest's cabinet and that the premier was aware of irregularities.
On Wednesday, the premier will be questioned by Bellemare's lawyer, Jean-François Bertrand, to clarify his allegations, which will allow the defence to prepare its arguments.
Wednesday morning's hearing is being held behind closed doors and will proceed without a judge.
Bellemare has until Sept. 3 to present his arguments, and will be counter-questioned by Charest's lawyer André Ryan in the fall.
Transcripts of these hearings could be made public if both lawyers in the case agree, but won't be released before a trial is held.
Both parties have until Dec. 15 to provide the courts with necessary documents.
Bellemare sparks firestorm
That upcoming commission, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Michel Bastarache, has been riddled with controversy. The opposition Parti Québécois was refused standing at the commission, and Bellemare himself said he won't testify unless he is subpoenaed, claiming cabinet confidentiality rules prevent him from airing government secrets.
Charest responded by loosening cabinet privilege rules for a handful of current and past elected officials, including Bellemare. The premier's office confirmed on July 2 that an order of cabinet was adopted to suspend any obligations of confidentiality for the former justice minister, freeing him to participate in the commission.