The text messages fueling the scandal that forced former Quebec Liberal Party leader Pablo Rodriguez to resign were fabricated through cut-and-paste editing, a detailed investigation concludes.

The probe stemmed from text exchanges published last November, alleging party members received cash payments—referred to as ‘brownies’—to support Rodriguez in the leadership race.

Investigation Findings

Jacques R. Fournier, former chief justice of the Quebec Superior Court, led the 39-page review. He examined potential vote-buying, identifying any involved parties, payments, and affected votes.

Fournier uncovered no proof of misconduct but noted his voluntary witness interviews limited definitive conclusions, lacking formal investigative authority.

The messages do not match discussions from April 11 to 13, 2025. Analysis shows they were inserted via editing that omitted original portions. ‘There is no date that allows us to place the additional extracts in time, or to know their origin,’ the report states.

Rodriguez’s campaign had no awareness of any ‘brownies’ scheme, and the alleged activities did not sway the leadership outcome.

Key Figures Cleared

No links implicate Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, Coalition Avenir Québec MNA Alice Abou-Khalil, or Liberal MNA Fayçal El-Khoury in the exchanges.

Rodriguez Responds

On social media, Rodriguez praised Fournier’s thorough work. ‘His report clearly shows that my team and I never took part in or witnessed any wrongdoing during the leadership race,’ he stated.

Ongoing Probes and Reforms

Quebec’s anti-corruption unit, UPAC, continues investigating the vote-buying claims. National Assembly ethics commissioner Ariane Mignolet probes Lakhoyan Olivier, who faces caucus suspension.

Bill 14, adopted in December, closes a prior Elections Act gap allowing such donations in leadership races—banned in general elections. It now covers leadership, mayoral, and nomination contests, with fines from $5,000 to $30,000.