Legislative Ethics Breach Alleged in Civil Court Filing

Marwah Rizqy has publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding her controversial dismissal of chief of staff Geneviève Hinse, which ultimately led to her expulsion from the Quebec Liberal Party caucus. In a recently filed statement of defense against Hinse’s $500,000 wrongful dismissal lawsuit, the former Liberal member alleges systemic attempts to misuse parliamentary funds for partisan activities.

Allegations of Rule Circumvention

Documents reveal claims that Hinse and former Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez sought to violate National Assembly ethics rules by hiring legislative staff for partisan purposes. Rizqy asserts she repeatedly warned against using taxpayer-funded positions to support Rodriguez’s political operations while he lacked an elected seat in the legislature.

A critical October meeting allegedly exposed plans to create positions that would formally report to elected officials while actually working for Rodriguez. Supporting evidence includes an email where Hinse reportedly proposed assigning “falsely documented duties” to create improper staffing links between legislative resources and Rodriguez’s political needs.

Financial Rule Enforcement Clash

The conflict intensified when Rodriguez reportedly sought to fund two policy advisers through legislative budgets rather than party resources. Rizqy maintained these positions analyzing Parti Québécois policies required Quebec Liberal Party funding, stating: “The rules were clear – partisan work requires party financing.”

Following Hinse’s November 17 termination and subsequent lawsuit, Rodriguez removed Rizqy from the Liberal caucus. This decision triggered a political crisis that culminated in Rodriguez’s December resignation, merely six months after assuming leadership.

Aftermath and Current Status

Neither party’s claims have undergone judicial review as the civil case proceeds through Quebec Superior Court. Hinse previously served as Rodriguez’s chief of staff during his tenure as Quebec Lieutenant in federal politics before transitioning with him to provincial affairs.

Gregory Kelley, Rizqy’s husband and fellow Liberal member, recently confirmed his wife would return to the National Assembly as an Independent when sessions resume. Kelley separately discussed the personal toll of these events during recent conversations with journalists, revealing intensified mental health challenges during last year’s political crisis.

The unfolding situation highlights ongoing tensions between legislative resource allocation and partisan political operations within Quebec’s parliamentary system.