Dr. Horacio Arruda — Quebec’s public health director — stepped down Monday amid the Omicron wave that’s overwhelming hospitals..Arruda, who served as the province’s public health director for nearly 12 years, handed his resignation to Premier Francois Legault after harsh criticism and calls for stronger leadership by other government officials..“The recent remarks made on the credibility of our opinions and on our scientific rigour undoubtedly cause a certain erosion in the adhesion of the population,” wrote Arruda in his resignation letter, according to reports from CTV..“In this context, I consider it appropriate to offer you the possibility of replacing me before the end of my term in office..“Do not see this gesture as an abandonment on my part, but rather the offer of an opportunity for you to reassess the situation after several waves and in a context in constant evolution..Arruda said he would stay if Legault wished him to, but added he is ready to “serve the citizens” of Quebec in a different capacity..Quebec recently plunged into yet another COVID-19 crisis with hospitals being overwhelmed. As a result, the province announced further restrictions including bringing in a curfew for the second time since the pandemic began leading to growing criticism for Arruda..Arruda was criticized for his remarks on masking being ineffective, his recommendation against schools installing air purifiers, a rapid test debacle where millions sat unused in Quebec last winter and his poor English and public speaking ability..Arruda also took serious criticism for his handling of the province’s long-term care facilities at the onset of the pandemic that saw at least 4,000 people die in the first wave..Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Montreal during the weekend to show their frustration over the tightening restrictions, including the 10 p.m. curfew..According to reports from the CBC, Quebec’s premier has already chosen Arruda’s replacement and is expected to make the announcement during a news conference Tuesday afternoon..More to come….Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
Dr. Horacio Arruda — Quebec’s public health director — stepped down Monday amid the Omicron wave that’s overwhelming hospitals..Arruda, who served as the province’s public health director for nearly 12 years, handed his resignation to Premier Francois Legault after harsh criticism and calls for stronger leadership by other government officials..“The recent remarks made on the credibility of our opinions and on our scientific rigour undoubtedly cause a certain erosion in the adhesion of the population,” wrote Arruda in his resignation letter, according to reports from CTV..“In this context, I consider it appropriate to offer you the possibility of replacing me before the end of my term in office..“Do not see this gesture as an abandonment on my part, but rather the offer of an opportunity for you to reassess the situation after several waves and in a context in constant evolution..Arruda said he would stay if Legault wished him to, but added he is ready to “serve the citizens” of Quebec in a different capacity..Quebec recently plunged into yet another COVID-19 crisis with hospitals being overwhelmed. As a result, the province announced further restrictions including bringing in a curfew for the second time since the pandemic began leading to growing criticism for Arruda..Arruda was criticized for his remarks on masking being ineffective, his recommendation against schools installing air purifiers, a rapid test debacle where millions sat unused in Quebec last winter and his poor English and public speaking ability..Arruda also took serious criticism for his handling of the province’s long-term care facilities at the onset of the pandemic that saw at least 4,000 people die in the first wave..Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Montreal during the weekend to show their frustration over the tightening restrictions, including the 10 p.m. curfew..According to reports from the CBC, Quebec’s premier has already chosen Arruda’s replacement and is expected to make the announcement during a news conference Tuesday afternoon..More to come….Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
