Following rising calls for their resignations over the government’s handling of a fatal COVID-19 outbreak at a Montreal long-term care facility, a pair of Quebec cabinet ministers will not seek re-election in the autumn.
After media sources reported earlier in the day that Seniors Minister Marguerite Blais will not run again, a representative for her confirmed to Global News that she will not run again. Since coming out of retirement for her present position, she had prepared for a one-term mandate, according to the spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Danielle McCann announced her resignation from parliament on social media on Friday.
“I would have preferred to inform my constituents first, but I will not run again,” McCann said. “In the spring, I’ll be a grandma.” It’s fantastic news, and it’s inspired me to devote my life to my family.”
The MNA for the Coalition Avenir Québec also stated that she will talk with locals in her riding in the near future.
McCann’s announcement comes as she faces further scrutiny this week following new findings concerning scores of pandemic-related fatalities at the Residence Herron care home while she was health minister – a position she was ousted from a few months later.
In April 2020, the first wave of the COVID-19 raced through the residence, killing 47 individuals.
Radio-Canada reported on an email that was introduced into evidence in the inquiry into fatalities in Quebec long-term care facilities during the epidemic this week.
It was discovered that cabinet ministers, including McCann and Blais, were aware of the catastrophic condition at the Herron care home at least ten days earlier than previously stated.
The proprietors of Residence Herron were desperate when the health catastrophe struck their institution, according to newly disclosed recordings of phone calls to a health line dated March 2020.
Both Blais and McCann have been urged to quit this week by opposition groups. They’ve also called for a public investigation on the government’s response to the COVID-19 epidemic.