MNA reflects on future as health deteriorates
The health of Iberville QUEBEC MNA Claire Samson has deteriorated, she says. During a recent interview with La Presse Canadienne, the MNA did not hesitate to draw a link between her health and the fact that she was not given a position in Premier François Legault’s cabinet. She said her health was not unrelated to Legault’s decision to not offer her a position, which she said profoundly hurt her and “contributed to additional stress,” becoming a “contributing factor” in the aggravation of her symptoms. She said she has not spoken with Legault since then and is “still angry” with him. Samson has suffered from epilepsy for several years, but her symptoms got worse since the swearing-in of the cabinet on Oct. 18, when she left the ceremony early. She has lost 40 pounds and says she lacks energy and endurance. She said she is reflecting on her political future. Last week, she tried to return to the National Assembly, but said it was not a good idea, and the day left her exhausted, forcing her to return to medical leave indefinitely to undergo a battery of tests. Doctors recently discovered problems with her pituitary gland and will have to decide in January if brain surgery is required. The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that regulates hormones. Until further notice, she can’t fly on planes. Samson is the only one of the 73 CAQ MNAs (besides the premier) who has not been given any function other than member. All others were named minister, parliamentary assistant or committee chair, which have salary bonuses. Because of her epilepsy, Samson got special permission to walk with her dog, Pepper, throughout the National Assembly, because the dog could sense a coming seizure and warn her. But Pepper, whose photo is posted in the parliamentary restaurant, died recently.