François Legault: a Guy Lafleur jersey paid for (and framed) with public funds

Since taking office, François Legault has made no secret of his love of hockey. From time to time, via his personal accounts, he won’t hesitate to comment on news surrounding the Habs.

In particular, he did so after Samuel Montembeault’s outburst on Wednesday night.

OUF! 1-0
Samuel Montembeault!

– François Legault (@francoislegault) October 10, 2024

We know he’s a big fan of the Canadiens, and he doesn’t hesitate to show it. In his office, an autographed Guy Lafleur jersey is framed.

However, Quebecor’s Bureau of Investigation recently looked into the government’s public spending… and their investigation led them to discover that the jersey in question, purchased in 2021, was paid for with public funds.

The jersey ($345) and framing ($937) cost nearly $1300 in public funds.

He used several thousand dollars of public fundshttps://t.co/lgexSJGru4

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) October 12, 2024

The survey also revealed that such sweaters were given to other premiers across the country. In all, thousands of dollars in public funds were involved.

In fact, we know that such decorative items are purchased by prime ministers. In a way, it’s a bit like buying a painting… but we agree that the price is pretty high here.

Could he have opted for cheaper gifts, were it not for his love of hockey? The question arises.

In a context where he’s been criticized for his spending(the QLP called him the “King of Deficits” in connection with the Kings affair), it doesn’t seem right. Spending public money on hockey hasn’t exactly been in vogue in recent months.

It may have been done in the past, but the fact that it’s becoming public now makes it harder to swallow.

Overtime

– I like to see him take his share of the blame.

Juraj Slafkovsky believes that his line has to play better and that it starts with him. He wants to get involved in forechecking and puck retrieval so that he can spend more time in the offensive zone.

He says he was a bit “sleepy” in the first two games.

– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) October 12, 2024

– Good to see him staying with the club.

Hi Laine!

Everybody say “Hi, Patty!”#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/KMyOjGCU0S

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) October 12, 2024

– Macklin Celebrini on the injured list.

SJ has placed Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve. That’s a minimum 7 days from last game played (Thursday)

– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 12, 2024

– Aleksander Barkov out 2-3 weeks.

Maurice announces Aleksander Barkov (lower body) is expected to miss the next 2-3 weeks.

They’re optimistic he’ll be back in time for the Global Series in Finland, and maybe even sooner than that. pic.twitter.com/U6DlcBtA8a

– Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 12, 2024

– That’s right.