Former Quebec lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault called to testify about spending

Former Quebec lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault will have to explain her extravagant spending habits to the provincial legislature this fall.

'These are serious allegations and we want to know the truth.' Gilles Taillon, Action Dmocratique MNA

Thibault is being called to testify before the province's public administration committee.

Both the federal and Quebec auditors general issued reports in 2007 saying Thibault spent more than $700,000 over her 10 years in the post on events not linked to her official activities.

Thibault, who uses a wheelchair, has denied any wrongdoing and has attributed some of the transportation and security costs to her physical condition.

"In my 10 years on the job, I always acted in good faith," Thibault said last year when the allegations first surfaced.

"Those who know me know I am an honest person."

Committee president Gilles Taillon, an Action Dmocratique member of the national assembly,said Thibault could testify on Oct. 29 and 30 if the Liberal house leader agrees with the timetable.

The Quebec provincial police opened an investigation into Thibault's spending practices after the reports came out, delaying initial plans to have her testify.

Taillon, a member of the legislature for the Action Dmocratique du Qubec, said Wednesday that provincial police have assured him their investigation will be completed in early October and will not delay her testimony.

"There are many facts alleged in the auditor general's report on Thibault, notably concerning double billing and excessive spending," Taillon said.

"These are serious allegations and we want to know the truth."

Thibault was replaced by Pierre Duchesne in 2007 in an appointment made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

$343,000 of expense moneyused as extra pay: AG

Taillon said the committee also plans to call Duchesne, Quebec Auditor General Renaud Lachance and Grard Bibeau, the province's highest-ranking bureaucrat.

In reports published in 2007, the auditor general wrotethat $343,000 intended for expenses was used as supplementary pay.

The anomalies included $45,000 paid to Thibault's head of security on days when no formal activities were scheduled. Lachance also made references in his report to costly meals, paid forwith taxpayer money, during personal holidays.

The Quebec government has instituted new rules that require the lieutenant-governor to appear before a legislative committee every year to defend use of the funds put at his or her disposal.

The Parti Qubcois demanded earlier this week that Thibault be called to testify as soon as possible.

Taillon said the PQ demand had nothing to do with the committee's decision to act.