Bastarache inquiry primer

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What is the Bastarache inquiry?

Former Supreme Court Justice Michel Bastarache was appointed to lead an inquiry into the nomination of judges in Quebec.

The provincial government called the inquiry after former justice minister Marc Bellemare alleged last spring that Premier Jean Charest refused to stop alleged influence peddling by Liberal party fundraisers.

Mr. Bellemare's position

Mr. Bellemare, who was justice minister from 2003 until he quit politics in 2004, alleges that Mr. Charest allowed party fundraisers to influence the nomination of judges during that time.

Mr. Bellemare testified at the inquiry that two senior Liberal fundraisers and party organizers - Franco Fava, a construction entrepreneur, and Charles Rondeau, an accountant - lobbied to have three Liberal supporters appointed to the bench. The supporters were Marc Bisson, Michel Simard and Line Gosselin-Després.

Mr. Bellemare testified that he warned the Premier of "colossal" lobbying to nominate Liberals in a Sept. 2, 2003, meeting. He said the encounter was the first of several where he told Mr. Charest of the irregularities.

"Mr. Charest told me: 'Franco is a personal friend, a fund collector who is influential in the party. We need people like him. … If he says nominate Simard and Bisson then do it," he testified.

Mr. Charest's position

Mr. Charest repeatedly denied that Mr. Bellemare had ever told him that Liberal fundraisers pressured him to nominate party supporters to the bench. He also denied meeting Mr. Bellemare on Sept. 2, 2003.

"I deny categorically saying the words he puts in my mouth," he testified. "To discuss the actions of fundraisers and say that he [Mr. Bellemare]was under pressure, well, had he told me about it, I would have certainly taken the necessary measures to protect him."

Mr. Charest also launched a $700,000 libel lawsuit against Mr. Bellemare.

Impact of the scandal

The events surrounding the inquiry seriously undermined the Liberal government's credibility as well as Mr. Charest's integrity. The Liberals have dropped steadily in public-opinion polls and Mr. Charest's own political future appears uncertain.