Quebec Judiciary Council Dismisses Judge’s Sexual Assault Sentencing Complaint

The Quebec Judiciary Council has dismissed a complaint about a judge granting conditional immunity to a young technician who pleaded guilty to sexual assault and voyeurism.

Quebec Court Judge Matthieu Poliquin ruled in June 2022 granting Simon Houle a suspended sentence and conditional dismissal, making it difficult for Houle to travel for a job as an engineer if convicted. It caused an uproar in the state, partly because it would become

In a decision posted on its website last week, the council, without divulging details of the case, ruled that there was no violation of ethical obligations by the judge, and that the complaint against him was baseless.

The ruling stipulated that the complaint must cover the judge’s actions, adding that the three complaints filed against Poliquin were strictly related to the judgment rendered.

In its decision, the council said it was not an appeals or review body and did not comment on the fairness of the court’s decision.

The King has requested permission to appeal the Houle decision, and the Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear on 9 December.