MONTREAL - Quebec Premier Jean Charest is trying to downplay the
effect that anti-corruption whistleblower Jacques Duchesneau could
have on the provincial election campaign.
    There are multiple reports that the former police chief has
agreed to run for the new Coalition for Quebec's Future _ giving the
party a huge boost in its first campaign.
    The party could confirm his candidacy as early as tomorrow
morning.
    Duchesneau was hired by the Liberals in 2010 to prepare a report
on collusion in the construction industry that was later leaked to
the media.
    Charest says Duchesneau was part of a much larger team effort in
his government's fight against corruption.
    The premier says his government followed through on many of
Duchesneau's recommendations, including setting up an inquiry into
the construction industry.