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Press release
4 May 2020

Too Early for Montreal’s Deconfinement


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This morning, Mr. Pierre Arcand, the Leader of the Official Opposition, summoned the media to convene in front of the Vigi Mont-Royal long-term health-care facility, which is among the hardest hit by Covid-19. The MNA representing Mont-Royal–Outremont believes that it is far too soon for the deconfinement announced for the Montreal Metropolitan area.

Mr. Arcand recalled that the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first condition for beginning deconfinement is control over transmission. That is not the case in Montreal where François Legault’s government is projecting a gradual reopening of businesses as of next week.

The Leader of the Official Opposition believes that the government must significantly increase the number of tests carried out before selecting a date for deconfinement. That is what many other countries have done in order to make their decision. Currently, the government is doing the opposite by announcing a date first and then testing.

Mr. Arcand is also calling for daily press conferences in Montreal with public health officials and the Minister responsible for the Metropolis, Ms. Chantal Rouleau. She has been quite discreet throughout the crisis despite Montreal being severely affected.

This press briefing would be a time for journalists to ask all their questions to the stakeholders dealing with the situation. During times of crisis, information is the crux of the issue as it is imperative for citizens to have correct information.

The battle is far from over. It is far too soon to be talking about deconfining Montreal. Imagine, in just 7 days, retail stores with an outdoor access are expected to open. That seems unrealistic to me. Where is the urgency? Public health first and foremost.

–Pierre Arcand, Leader of the Official Opposition