Witness Testimony

Stéphane Blais, a former Chartered Professional Accountant and president of the Fondation pour la défense des droits et libertés du peuple, testified regarding disciplinary action taken against him by the Quebec CPA Order. He stated that shortly after filing a judicial review application challenging Quebec’s COVID-19 measures, including Bill 61 and related decrees, he received a letter from the Order’s syndic containing 76 questions requiring an immediate response. The questions referenced public statements he had made criticizing pandemic governance, including comparisons of excess mortality data and references to Sweden’s approach.
Blais testified that he initially refused to cooperate, asserting that the inquiry interfered with ongoing legal proceedings and infringed on his freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter. He later responded to the questions on the advice of counsel. The Disciplinary Committee proceeded with charges alleging affront to the dignity of the profession and obstruction of the syndic’s work. He did not participate fully in subsequent hearings and was ultimately found guilty in absentia.
As a sanction, Blais’ licence was revoked for life plus an additional 18 months, and he was fined $20,000. He stated that he viewed the proceedings as politically motivated and disproportionate, particularly in light of other disciplinary decisions within the profession. He further testified that his broader legal challenges to Quebec’s COVID-19 measures, including appeals concerning curfews and mask mandates, remain before the courts.