Marguerite Blais will not ultimately have to testify before the coroner responsible for shedding light on the deaths that occurred in CHSLDs during the first wave of COVID-19.
The Coroner’s Office announced on Monday that due to Ms. Blais’ medical condition, she will be replaced by the former Minister of Health, Danielle McCann, and the former Deputy Minister of Health, Yvan Gendron.
Mr. Gendron’s testimony will take place on November 16, at the Quebec City courthouse, while that of Ms. McCann will follow the next day.
During the first wave of the pandemic, from February 25 to July 11, 2020, Quebecers aged 70 and over accounted for 92% of deaths from COVID-19, according to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec.
Several witnesses recently marched in front of the coroner to denounce the mistreatment suffered by the elderly during this period described as a hecatomb in the CHSLDs.
Ms. Blais, who at the time was Minister responsible for Seniors and Caregivers, has been on sick leave since October 29 due to burnout.
These responsibilities have been temporarily entrusted to the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé.
During a press scrum on October 29, Prime Minister François Legault said he himself suggested that Ms. Blais take a break.
The testimony of Marguerite Blais, which was to take place next week, was however eagerly awaited, according to the official opposition.
Liberal MP Monique Sauvé said Friday, in an interview with The Canadian Press, that Ms. Blais had a “leading” role as responsible for seniors.
She argued that thousands of bereaved families were still trying to understand why family caregivers were prevented from entering CHSLDs at the height of the crisis.
Ms. Blais’ expected testimony was the subject of confidential discussions between the coroner’s and the Attorney General’s attorneys in the last few days.
As a general rule, a subpoenaed witness must appear before the coroner on the scheduled date under pain of contempt of court.
On Monday, Coroner Kamel finally agreed to release Ms. Blais from this obligation. “Given her medical condition, I agreed not to hear from Ms. Blais.
“We will hear from Minister McCann next week, as well as Mr. Gendron, who have been added to the list of witnesses,” said Mr. Kamel at the start of the day.