The Gauls, as we know, feared only one thing: that the sky would fall on their heads. Modern-day Quebecers, whose ancestors have faced the worst of winter climates, are afraid of only one thing: icing.
• Read also: [EN DIRECT] Everything you need to know about the ice storm paralyzing Quebec
And surely also, hospital emergencies. But that’s another story…
This Wednesday, the ice hit hard. In several regions and especially in Montreal and its suburbs. This storm does not rival the trauma of the January 1998 ice storm. Anyone who has experienced it knows that.
It nevertheless brings out the same resilience and the same legendary solidarity which, within the population here, show up immediately as soon as the weather “tests” us more strongly than usual.
Quebecers, as my grandmother used to say, are indeed tough. When the elements are unleashed, no “little” natures here.
Climate change, here as elsewhere, is causing worrying global warming. Nevertheless, winter remains at the very heart of Quebecers’ identity fiber. As much for the oldest as for those who have recently arrived.
While dreaming of the beaches of the South, our national Robert Charlebois may well sing “Cartier, Cartier, Ô Jacques Cartier, if you had sailed upside down in winter”, the Quebecers, as soon as the winter gets fiercer , are present. Even against their will…
Powerless
The hardest part, however, with black ice is losing electricity, including heating. This time, more than a million households have been deprived of it. It’s not a detail.
The ice is also merciless for the trees, those precious life companions that we all too often take for granted.
In the parks, it’s really not pretty. It breaks your heart to see so many trees, many of which are centuries old, break under the weight of unforgiving ice.
The ice also reminds us that in Quebec, the burial of electrical wires shredded by the ice remains a fantasy that, most likely, will never come true.
Deemed too expensive by Hydro-Quebec and successive governments – we are told that the total bill is close to $100 billion – isn’t landfilling a matter of public safety?
A matter of public safety
When the loss of power threatens to also affect hospitals, CHSLDs, accommodation resources for disabled people and housing where more socially isolated people live, the negative consequences for them can be major.
As we will unfortunately not hold our breath in this “file”, for this storm, as for those which preceded it and will follow it, the resilient and united people, for the time that it takes, will hold the fort.
A thought for all the people without electricity and the neighbors and families who contacted them to help them.
Hats off to all those involved in the field: firefighters, police, paramedics, Hydro-Québec workers, medical personnel, etc. Without forgetting our fellow journalists who diligently keep us informed.
Ditto for the elected officials who quickly mobilized to concretely support the citizens and the most affected victims.
Only one thing is certain. Quebecers will get through, as usual…
As usual, resilient and united Quebecers, for as long as it takes, will hold the fort.