Denis Coderre’s Tax Issues Unresolved Ahead of Liberal Leadership Race

Denis Coderre, the former mayor of Montreal, continues to face unresolved tax issues with the Quebec tax agency, Revenu Québec. Despite his recent lower public profile, Coderre has assured that these matters will be settled by the time the Liberal Party leadership race begins in January. This was reported yesterday at 16:52.

Various media sources have noted that Coderre owes approximately CAD 134,000 to Revenu Québec. While details remain scant due to what Coderre refers to as a “confidentiality agreement,” he conveyed confidence that “everything will be ready by January” during an interview with La Presse Canadienne.

In September, during the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) caucus, Deputy Désirée McGraw—who supports Pablo Rodriguez in the leadership race—stated that Denis Coderre had disqualified himself from candidacy by not clearing his tax debts. McGraw is among several elected officials who have declared support for other candidates, with deputies André Fortin, Madwa-Nika Cadet, and Virginie Dufour endorsing Charles Milliard.

Meanwhile, Chomedey Deputy Sona Lakhoyan Olivier has pledged her support to Frédéric Beauchemin, the Deputy of Marguerite-Bourgeoys. Despite the absence of endorsements, Coderre remains unconcerned, explaining that some members are unable to endorse due to their official positions.

Marc Bélanger, a tax attorney, similarly lacks caucus support. Coderre attributed his recent discretion to working on his political platform, which he intends to unveil in January. His platform reportedly advocates for greater autonomy for municipalities in their dealings with the Canadian government, suggesting municipalities should operate on par with provincial and federal bodies.

Coderre has also expressed opposition to a proposal from the Montarville Liberal Association, to be debated at the party congress in November, which suggests reducing the influence of youth in selecting the next party leader. The Liberal Party’s leadership race is set to officially commence in January 2025, with a new leader chosen by summer that year.