Quebec Public Security Minister Lise Theriault responds to reporters' questions as she enters a caucus meeting, Tuesday, October 27, 2015 in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques BoissinotThe Canadian Press
The minister responsible for overseeing the investigation into claims provincial police officers abused native women in northwestern Quebec will be absent from her post for at least six weeks due to health reasons.
The Quebec government announced Thursday that Public Security Minister Lise Theriault had taken a leave of absence to deal with an unspecified illness.
A press release sent out Sunday morning said Theriault's doctors have ordered her to rest completely for six weeks.
Municipal Affairs Minister Pierre Moreau will take over Theriault's public security duties during her absence.
Meanwhile, rumours persist of a cabinet shuffle involving Theriault.
Premier Philippe Couillard neither confirmed nor denied the possibility Friday, saying he is always reflecting on ways to improve the government.