MNA Whissell defends his political seat and pledges to remain in office

A cloud of uncertainly that has hung over the office of Argenteuil MNA David Whissell was brushed aside last week, as he reiterated his decision to hold the post until the end of his term.

"I continue to believe in politics," Whissell told The Review. "We need men and women to believe in politics if we are to leave a better future for our children. I am the MNA of Argenteuil and I will continue my mandate. It is an honour to serve the people of Argenteuil."

Public doubt has swirled around his career since last September, when the opposition Parti Québécois began calling into question the granting of government contracts to a company Whissell partly owns.

Recruited by the Liberal Party of Quebec in 2007, the Argenteuil MNA continued to maintain his interest in ABC Rive-Nord - a paving company in his family for nearly a century - after Quebec Premier Jean Charest relaxed the guidelines to allow such a move. Two other ministers were equally accommodated and Whissell was soon elected as the labour minister.

In September, Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois attacked Whissell in cabinet, alleging the award of a government contract to ABC Rive-Nord was an opportunity for political favouritism, despite the fact Whissell had placed his holdings into a blind trust that was administered by a third party.

Responding to political pressure, Charest reversed his decision to allow government ministers to maintain ownership over private companies and demanded that Whissell either give up his seat as a minister or sell his shares in the company. Whissell chose the former option.

"When Mr. Charest decided to change the rules at the Cabinet table, I was faced with two options," he said last September. "I could dispose of my shares in the company and stay at the cabinet table, or do what I did and leave cabinet to reclaim ownership in a company my family built.

"My great-grandfather first started in the construction business in 1906. The company passed from him to my grandfather, who passed it on to my father and down to me. I started working for the company when I was only 13 and I hope that one day, my own children will take it over."

Since his resignation as labour minister, Whissell has twice been cleared of allegations laid against him. Last week, the MNA spoke with The Review and explained his decision e to serve his constituents until the end of his term.

"During the final week of the break from cabinet, I took the time to reflect on my future regarding my career as a Member of Parliament. Following my resignation, I had many different employment offers, including one to return to work for ABC Rive-Nord. I have 12 years experience as a politician and I feel that I have done a good job, both in Parliament and in my riding."

According to Whissell, the coming months will be very important for Argenteuil and the province as a whole. This March, the Liberal government is expected to announce spending cuts that may lead to an increase in the sales tax, fees, and hydro rates in a budget appraisement that aims to pay down Quebec's $5 billion deficit.

Changes necessary

"Everybody knows we need to make some changes," he continued. "The debt is true. The deficit is true, and change needs to be made. In Argenteuil the challenge for me is to continue to support the municipalities and citizens' groups. The economy here is a major issue and the completion of the Highway 50 will drive positive change forward. The highway is important for the economy as well as for the security of our people."

In Argenteuil, the economy is holding up. Morin Heights and Lachute both experienced unprecedented residential growth last year and the numbers are nearly the same in 2010. According to Whissell, last year was the strongest year of growth in Argenteuil since the 1930s. The unemployment rate is at nearly the same rate as last year and the number of people on welfare has decreased by 20 per cent.

The Bombardier C-series recently received a slate of new orders and the expansion of the Mirabel plant is underway. Pratt and Whitney is also proceeding with plans to build in Mirabel, which is expected to bring a number of new jobs to the region.

"I'm not turning the page on another mandate. I will finish my mandate and will continue to help my constituents. At the end of my term I will reflect on whether I want to continue. People are coming up to me on the street and telling me they support me. It's very comforting and it reaffirms my decision to stay."