Outaouais continues to fall behind, say Feeny and Ducharme
Taylor Clark
Although health issues fall under the provincial government, Gatineau mayoral candidates have committed to bringing the region’s health care up to par with the rest of Quebec.
“Our health system cannot wait any longer. Each day of delay brings its share of worries. We must act now,” independent candidate Daniel Feeny wrote in a press release.
Uncertainty has spread across Outaouais as the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) revealed that a contingency plan was on the back burner, as services were reduced to allow its limited staff vacation time.
Five years after the unanimous adoption of the Outaouais motion in 2019 by the National Assembly of Quebec, which recognized the region had fallen behind significantly, Feeny said it seemed undeniable that the recognition was merely symbolic, “given the alarming deterioration of the situation in our hospitals.” The candidate pledged to “not idly stand by in the face of this crisis,” and, if elected mayor, to form a coalition of the region’s mayors and prefects to demand precise and effective action.
“Our communities deserve better than words; what they expect are concrete actions. As mayor, I would be committed to hearing your voice so that the government finally takes Gatineau seriously. It’s time for Gatineau to be heard,” wrote Feeny.
Fellow independent candidate Yves Ducharme agreed that the government’s inaction was unacceptable, asserting that other regions of Quebec would never be treated in this manner.
“The time for dodging is over. Outaouais demands immediate and lasting solutions to appease the anger, but above all, the fear of citizens. I am not asking you for miracles. I am simply asking you to respect your vote,” Ducharme said in reference to the Premier and the Minister of Health.
Beyond admitting the crisis state found in Outaouais, Ducharme said the motion lacked substance. “Since the adoption of this motion, practically no measures specific to Outaouais have been implemented. Today, with the threat of closure of several basic health services, the time has come for immediate solutions.” If he found himself back in the position of mayor, Ducharme said he would offer his full support to the minister responsible for the Outaouais region to bring the voice of Gatineau to Quebec. “Mathieu Lacombe and the Government of Quebec have an obligation to achieve results.”
Photo caption: Independent mayoral candidates Daniel Feeny and Yves Ducharme share their disapproval with the CISSSO’s contingency plan for this summer.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the candidates
