Ethics commissioner recommends $8,000 fine for former Quebec Liberal member

Quebec’s ethics commissioner is recommending an $8,000 fine for former Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier over alleged misuse of constituency resources during the 2025 Quebec Liberal leadership race. According to commissioner Ariane Mignolet’s report, Lakhoyan Olivier held partisan activities at her office to support Pablo Rodriguez, who later stepped down as party leader in December. The investigation also found she mobilized staff to help his campaign by attending events, signing up party members, and making calls to seek support. The report says Lakhoyan Olivier also tried to obstruct the commissioner’s investigation. She was removed from the Liberal caucus in December and now sits as an Independent. Current Liberal Leader Charles Milliard said he accepts the report and will not allow her to return to the party.