Hydro-Quebec is standing by its CEO and President Thierry Vandal amid a controversial week. The board of directors issued a statement Friday backing Vandal and his reputation, despite questions about donations and expense account billings.

"Hydro-Quebec would like to publicly reiterate its total confidence toward Hydro-Quebec President and CEO Thierry Vandal. Mr. Vandal has served Hydro-Quebec admirably since 1996. His record is remarkable," said Michael L. Turcotte, president of Hydro's board of directors.

Questions swirled Thursday about the expense accounts of senior Hydro-Quebec managers who were reportedly reimbursed for social dinners they expensed to the Crown corporation.

The company said it will return the money to Revenue Canada and ask its managers to pay them back.

This scandal comes days after Vandal came under fire for a $250,000 endowment to College Notre-Dame, where Vandal attended. College Jean de Brebeuf, another school Vandal attended, announced Tuesday that it would return a $200,000 donation from Hydro-Quebec as well.

The Parti Quebecois and the Action democratique have both demanded that Vandal resign, however Natural Resources Minister Nathalie Normandeau disagrees, and has said that Hydro-Quebec needs to review its educational donation policies.

Hydro Quebec has said it plans to be more diligent with its practices.