Quebec Liberal MNAs sworn in at National Assembly

The newly elected Liberal Party of Quebec was sworn in at the National Assembly Thursday, though some would say it was under a dark cloud.

MNA-elect Rita De Santissaid the day was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the party's new MNAs, many of whom are brandnew to the job.

But premier-designate Philippe Couillardspent most of his time with the media talking about recently unveiled allegations that an MNA re-elected in this month's provincial election was currently under investigation by Quebec's anti-corruption unit, UPAC.

Still, Couillard and the other 69 elected members of the Liberal team attended the ceremony in"the Red Room" on Thursdayafternoon.

The ceremony came after a symbolic passing of the torch on Wednesday with Pauline Marois welcoming Couillard to his new office before heading off to lead her final PQ cabinet meeting.

• Pauline Marois delivers final speech as Quebec premier
• Quebec anti-corruption unit investigates re-elected MNA

The outgoing cabinet members say they are leaving office with their heads heldhigh,althoughBernardDrainvilleadmits the party hassomesoulsearching ahead.

Couillard willform his cabinet in the coming days beforeunveiling itnext week.

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Radio-Canada is reporting the UPAC anti-corruption squad has a handful of Charest-era Liberals in its sights, including one re-elected MNA who will take the oath of office this afternoon.

Couillardis promising a government free of any appearance of corruption.

The 30 MNAs from thePQand 22 fromCoalition Avenir Qubec will be sworn in on April 22, while three members of Qubec solidaire will have to wait untilMay 2 to officially start work.