We recently had the opportunity to talk with the $9,999 kitchen specialist, Jean-Noël Lacroix, during a telephone interview. Our conversation focused on recent media events in which he was the main stakeholder.
The situation is as follows:
In the spring of 2024, Quebec tax authorities initiated proceedings against the controversial businessman Jean-Noël Lacroix.
The government agency Revenu Québec was seeking to recover an amount of approximately $1.7 million for taxes that were allegedly not paid.
As part of this process, the tax authorities obtained in May 2024 a judicial authorization to seize a high-standing property. This home, valued at nearly $6 million, is located in the municipality of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, on the outskirts of Quebec City.
The Agence du Revenu du Québec (ARQ) argued that its partner, whose annual income varied between approximately $4,000 and $54,000 between 2002 and 2020, was only acting as a nominee and that the real owner of the residence purchased in 2023 was Jean-Noël Lacroix.
The Superior Court of Quebec
However, the Honourable Marie-Paule Gagnon of the Superior Court of Quebec held that the arguments advanced by Revenu Québec were insufficient to justify the seizure. She concluded that the agency had failed to demonstrate that its debt recovery was objectively threatened, nor to identify a specific act by the accused to evade his assets from tax.
Despite this decision of 14 January 2025, the Court will still have to rule on the merits of the case.
The line is thin
Radio 93fm’s host, Mr. Dupont, has repeatedly said on the air that his wife could not afford a house at the current price, based on income reported to Revenu Québec that the house belonged to Mr. Lacroix.
Talking about it is one thing, but to insist or affirm with absolute certainty that these facts are true, especially when the case is before the courts, does not require a certain restraint in the words spoken? The presumption of innocence, a fundamental pillar of our society based on the rule of law, deserves to be respected with increased vigilance, especially by journalists.
Exasperated by the comments of Mr. Dupont in a wave, Mr. Lacroix shared on social networks information regarding his wife’s income for the years 2021 to 2024. According to these statements, the annual income of his partner would have been as follows:
- 2021 : 397 000 $
- 2022 : 300 000 $
- 2023 : 307 000 $
- 2024 : 424 000 $
The presumption of innocence
Can someone who doesn’t have much bounce back and build a fortune the next day if they can afford it ? Yes. Of course, the vast majority of those with modest incomes do not become millionaires overnight, but is it possible ? Absolutely. So why would Mr. Lacroix and his spouse not benefit from the same presumption ?
Each one carries his past, but are we so unconscious to judge a person even before he has been heard by the justice and that his guilt or innocence is established? Where is the presumption of innocence? Such hasty judgements can cause profound harm to the person concerned. It is essential to exercise caution and restraint before making accusations of this nature.
The easy amalgams !
The media and people in general tend to mix things up. Sometimes people’s perceptions are bigger than the truth itself.
Every time we read “would... according to our sources”, we find ourselves in a grey area that questions the power of journalists in their comments. It is essential to remain vigilant and not jump to conclusions without strong evidence.
The line between the disclosure of confirmed truthful information and the damage to reputation is thin. Words have a weight, and their impact can be devastating, especially when they affect the honour and integrity of a person. In a world where information flows at lightning speed, it is crucial that the media take responsibility by ensuring the accuracy of their sources and avoiding spreading unverified rumours or innuendo.
The public, for its part, must also exercise discernment. It’s easy to get carried away with catchy headlines or shocking assertions, but it’s important to step back and try to understand the context before forming an opinion. The presumption of innocence and respect for truth must remain unshakable pillars, both for the media and citizens.
Ultimately, the goal should always be to seek the truth without sacrificing ethics or individual rights. In a society where information is the king, credibility and integrity are values that should never be compromised.
This is where the workshop « À la une », makes full sense.