Denis Coderre's Bid for Quebec Liberal Leadership Amidst Tax Controversy

Denis Coderre, the former mayor of Montreal, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party. However, his candidacy is overshadowed by ongoing disputes with the provincial tax agency, which he addressed extensively during a press conference in Quebec City. Coderre detailed his current tax issues and the legal actions he is contemplating against Revenu Québec, emphasizing a "global agreement" he reached with both federal and provincial tax authorities aimed at settling his debts, which he claims total approximately $400,000.

In recounting his personal struggles, Coderre mentioned that his tax troubles arose after he suffered a stroke in 2023 and underwent a divorce, which impeded his ability to manage his financial obligations. As part of his resolution strategy, he is in the process of selling his home. Furthermore, he raised concerns about possible malfeasance on the part of government representatives who might have leaked information about his tax status to the media, stating that he discovered a legal mortgage on his home through a newspaper rather than being notified directly.

Having submitted his application to run, Coderre faces a review process by a party committee that will take about a week. In outlining his goals, Coderre shared a comprehensive 10-point plan that notably includes proposals to nationalize water resources and to increase municipal autonomy. He has expressed his opposition to Quebec's stringent language reforms under Bill 96 while showing support for Bill 21, which prohibits religious symbols in certain public roles. Coderre’s candidacy faces competition from other notable figures, including presumed front-runner Pablo Rodriguez and tax lawyer Marc Bélanger, as the party prepares for its leadership election on June 14.