QUEBEC — Sentencing arguments are underway in Quebec City in the fraud case of former lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault.
The 76-year-old pleaded guilty last December to fraud and breach of trust.
The fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years, while the maximum for breach of trust is five years.
Thibault, who held the provincial vice-regal post between 1997 and 2007, was charged after a joint report filed by former provincial auditor general Renaud Lachance and his federal counterpart at the time, Sheila Fraser.
The document suggested more than $700,000 in alleged improper expenses had been claimed. Her lawyer said in December she acknowledged she unjustly claimed an amount of $310,000, while the Crown estimates the amount at $430,000.
Her trial heard the money was allegedly spent on gifts, trips, parties, meals and skiing and golf lessons.
