Sam Hamad, target of ethics probe, resigns from cabinet

Veteran Liberal politician Sam HamadresignedThursdayfromhis cabinet post in Philippe Couillard's government, but will stay on as an MNA.

Hamadhasbeen the target of criticism since Radio-Canada'sEnqutereported last week thathis relationship with a disgraced former fundraiser,Marc-YvanCt, placedhim in a conflict of interest.

Hamad insisted he had done nothing wrong and said he feels unjustly targeted. However,he decided to step aside just the samegiving up for the time being his limousine, chauffeur and body guard, along with the $68,000 salary bonus that came with his cabinet position.

"I was hoping the situation would not become a distraction for the actions of government and the premier. I have to admit that I have become one,"Hamadtold reporters on Thursday in Quebec City.

"So this morning I met with the premier and will sit solely as an MNA with no other privilege."

Last Saturday,Couillardannounced that Hamadhadtemporarily stepped aside from his post as Treasury Boardpresident.

Hamaddrew further criticismfor then flyingto Florida to "refuel," while stillretainingthe privileges associated with his cabinet post.

The Quebec ethics commissioner is investigating the allegations that surfaced in the Radio-Canada report. Couillardhassaid Hamadwon't play a role in government until the ethics probe is complete.

Hamadhas been a fixture in the QuebecLiberal Party for more than a decade. He was first appointed to cabinetin 2003, under formerpremier Jean Charest.

Blow to Couillard government

Speaking to reporters on Thursday,CouillardcalledHamad'sdecision to resign "courageous."

"He made the right decision," the premier said.

Hamad'sresignation representsanother blow to theCouillard government, which has been haunted by allegations of corruption highlighted in the Charbonneau commission.

Last month, another key figure from the Charest era, former deputy premierNathalie Normandeau,was arrested and is facing charges ofconspiracy, corruption, breach of trust and bribery in connection with her political activities between 2000and 2012.

Normandeau'slawyer indicated she will plead notguilty.