Former political attache to Quebec premier Pauline Marois pleads guilty

MONTREAL — A former political aide to ex-Quebec premier Pauline Marois has pleaded guilty to counselling a criminal offence that was not committed.

Ernest Murray was part of a group of seven people, including former deputy Quebec premier Nathalie Normandeau, who were arrested in 2016 and charged with fraud-related offences.

Murray pleaded guilty today to sending an email to an engineering firm with names of people he claimed were willing to be used in a scheme to violate campaign finance laws.

His defence lawyer Mathieu Camirand says sentencing arguments are scheduled to take place at the end of August.

Normandeau and five other co-accused in the case were not permitted to have a preliminary inquiry and will head straight to trial.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

The allegations against her include conspiracy, corruption, breach of trust and fraud in a scheme in which political financing and gifts were allegedly exchanged for lucrative government contracts between 2000 and 2012.

The Canadian Press