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Quebec Conservative MPs receive 'suspicious' envelopes

Police are investigating envelopes delivered to riding offices of Denis Lebel, Maxime Bernier

Federal ministers Maxime Bernier, Denis Lebel and Christian Paradis

Envelopes containing white powder have turned up at the constituency offices of three Quebec Conservative MPs.

Quebec provincial police confirmed that envelopes were found at the offices of Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel and Minister of State for Small Business Maxime Bernier in Saint-Georges-de-Beauce.

Radio-Canada has reported that a third envelope was found at the office of International Development Minister Christian Paradis in Thetford Mines, but the Sûreté du Québec was unable to confirm that development, which would likely be investigated by the municipal police.

Offices evacuated

Radio-Canada said the three ministers' offices were evacuated. The first envelope was received at Lebel's office in the morning, with the other two found between 12:30 and 1 p.m. ET.

A woman who opened the envelope at Lebel's office was taken to hospital for examination, but exhibited no symptoms and was released, Quebec police and Lebel's office confirmed.

The Sûreté du Québec was maintaining a security perimeter around Lebel's constituency office in downtown Roberval Thursday afternoon. Lebel was not at the office when the package was received, but was making his way back to the riding after learning of the incident.

Radio-Canada has reported that Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney's riding office staff have not opened the mail and are waiting for instructions from the local police. 

A staffer working in Quebec Conservative MP Jacques Gourde's constituency office told CBC News that the office had been advised to watch out for any suspicious mail.

No one hurt, no suspects, police say

According to the SQ, no one was hurt, and there are no suspects.

Police are currently trying to determine who sent the envelopes, as well as the nature of the contents.

It is unclear how the envelopes were delivered.

In a statement sent out by the Conservative Party, Lebel says the SQ "has taken charge of the investigation," and has informed the RCMP.

Lebel, who represents the riding of Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean, said such actions are taken very seriously.

"The safety of Canadians is a priority for our government," he added. "There can be no doubt that we will not be intimidated."

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Luc Thibault confirmed to CBC News that the federal police force is working with the SQ, which is currently leading the investigation.

The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team has been notified.

It will be up to the RCMP to investigate if police conclude a threat was made toward a minister.