Today, Quebec has a duty to remember.
Two years ago to the day, we were all rocking together into another world. The World Health Organization has declared that the spread of a new coronavirus has reached the stage of a pandemic.
Little was known about COVID-19 at that time. No one knew how big it would take.
I will remember all my life those first weeks, the daily press briefings to inform Quebecers, the long days and long nights spent wondering if the right decisions were being made.
I never thought I would have to show up in front of the cameras every day to announce restrictions and tell people what to do. I would even say that it was against nature for someone like me who is in favor of greater autonomy for citizens.
But we did what was necessary to save as many lives as possible. And I remember that Quebeckers immediately understood the seriousness of the situation. I remember that, faced with the danger, the Quebec nation reacted admirably.
We showed all the solidarity of our people, especially with our elders. Quebecers, even the youngest, followed the instructions to save their parents and grandparents. Everyone came together in a spirit of national cohesion that I am so proud of.
Within our nation, heroes have distinguished themselves. Our health workers went to the front lines to care for our sick. They showed immense courage. These women and men deserve our gratitude.
After this first dazzling wave, we went through long months of the pandemic together. We succeeded in rapidly strengthening our health system by training more personnel. We managed to keep our schools open to minimize the effects on our children. We have achieved one of the most effective vaccination campaigns on the planet. And from tomorrow, we will have removed almost all the restrictions.
All of this is thanks to the spirit of cohesion of Quebecers. I can never thank you enough.
March 11 reminds me of this strength of our people. But it also reminds me of the huge sacrifices we had to make. It reminds me of all those who left us too soon.
The virus has attacked the most vulnerable people, especially our seniors who built Quebec. We managed to save thousands of lives together, but we also lost too many mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers. We lost brothers, sisters, friends.
This day is dedicated to their memory and also to their loved ones who continue to suffer from their absence.
It is for them that, every March 11, the people of Quebec will remember.