In a recent development from Québec, Chomedey’s Deputy Sona Lakhoyan Olivier has publicly accepted responsibility for breaching the Assembly’s ethical code. This breach occurred during the leadership campaign that led to the election of former Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez.
Sona Lakhoyan Olivier’s Apology and Acceptance of Sanctions
On Thursday, Lakhoyan Olivier delivered an emotional statement in the Salon Rouge, addressing her colleagues and the public. She acknowledged her mistakes and issued a heartfelt apology, stating, “I apologize.” She admitted that her actions surpassed the boundaries outlined in the ethical and deontological code in relation to partisan activities.
Details of the Ethical Breach
The investigation, led by Ethics and Ethics Commissioner Ariane Mignolet, revealed that from April to June 2025, Lakhoyan Olivier’s staff members were involved in partisan campaign activities for Rodriguez. These activities took place during regular work hours, while still being compensated by the Assembly.
Misuse of Constituency Office
- The constituency office was used for partisan activities various times throughout the week.
- Staff engaged in efforts to recruit members and encourage voting.
Furthermore, Commissioner Mignolet’s report uncovered instances where Lakhoyan Olivier attempted to obstruct the investigation. After being notified of the inquiry on December 3, she reportedly deleted evidence, including messages exchanged with her staff on a WhatsApp channel intended for professional and partisan use.
Consequences of the Breach
The commissioner recommended an $8,000 penalty for her actions. Despite the findings and the proposed sanction, Lakhoyan Olivier has chosen not to resign. She expressed her respect for the commissioner’s decision and accepted the penalty without contesting it. “I have always taken my role as a representative seriously,” she stated.
Commitment to Addressing Mistakes
Lakhoyan Olivier emphasized her commitment to serving Chomedey’s constituents diligently. She noted her understanding of the ethical code and the lessons learned from her mistakes. The disciplinary actions recommended by Commissioner Mignolet will require a vote from other deputies in the upcoming session.
It is expected that the process to enforce the sanctions will proceed smoothly, given that both Liberal and opposition members support these recommendations.
