Amid claims he psychologically harassed employees of a company where he previously worked, Liberal hopeful Éric Tétrault pulled out of the race in Louis-Hébert, a riding long held by the party and one it hopes to keep in the Oct. 2 vote.
Earlier in the day, Normand Sauvageau, who was running for Coalition Avenir Québec in the same riding, also dropped out.
La Presse reported Wednesday that Tétrault was the subject of a psychological harassment complaint while serving as director of public affairs for ArcelorMittal, a steel and mining company.
Tétrault acknowledged the contents of the report but told some Quebec City media no formal complaint was filed following the probe.
La Presse said the report commissioned by ArcelorMittal’s top brass concluded Tétrault’s behaviour toward women was uncalled for and that he would comment on their physical appearance.
It also said he intimidated other employees and was the reason three people took sick leave.
Tétrault apologized Wednesday, saying his behaviour was “improper” and admitting to being “abrasive” and a bit “forthright” with members of his team.
He said ArcelorMittal executives were under pressure at the time and that he had made the “common mistake” of transferring that pressure to employees.
Several Liberal cabinet ministers came to Tétrault’s defence Wednesday and he had hoped to remain the party’s candidate but chose to withdraw in the evening.
Tetrault had said he had the support of Premier Philippe Couillard and discussed the matter with him Tuesday night.
Sauvageau said he was dropping out after receiving a call from a reporter regarding his early retirement in 2016.
“I realized at that point just how essential it is for a candidate in an election to be open,” he said in a statement.
“More than a year ago, after a 39-year career, I retired in difficult circumstances in terms of labour relations. When I filed my candidacy, I did not tell the Coalition about important facts surrounding my departure.”
Both parties say the candidates will be replaced.