The former political advisor to the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), Étienne Polsi, has been accused of election fraud by Elections Québec.

According to the crime statement issued by the Elections Act Monitoring Authority, in early March 2023, Polsi allegedly assisted a woman or incited her to make a contribution of $100 to the CAQ “other than her own funds,” which is illegal.

At the time of the alleged offenses, Polsi was a political advisor to CAQ MNA in Hall, Suzanne Tremblay. She is not the subject of a crime statement issued by Elections Québec, and Polsi has since resigned.

Mark Danis, the director of communications for the Premier's office, wrote in a statement to Canadian media, “Integrity is a core value for the CAQ and for MNA Suzanne Tremblay. It is clear that an employee receiving such a result cannot remain on our team.”

Elections Québec stated that the former political employee pleaded not guilty.

Polsi may face a fine ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 if convicted. He will also be banned from engaging in any party work, running for office, or voting for five years.

During the last parliamentary session, the committee stirred controversy over its funding methods. The François Legault party has since decided to stop fundraising.