MNA helping in CHSLD

Junior health minister Carmant is also a doctor specializing in neuropediatrics

The work of a political minister can lead to multiple roles, including the thankless work of an attendant in a CHSLD struggling with COVID -19 cases.

This is the challenge being taken up by Quebec junior health minister Lionel Carmant, who is now in his second week of working full time in a residential long-term care centre (CHSLD) in Montreal, The Canadian Press learned.

Carmant, the MNA for the Taillon riding in Longueuil, is a doctor specializing in neuropediatrics. He responded to the recent urgent call by Premier François Legault, who encouraged specialist doctors to lend a hand in CHSLDS, where the shortage of staff is glaring. It got to the point where basic care could not be provided at all times to residents, more and more of whom are catching the coronavirus.

Carmant prefers to remain discreet about his contribution and does not want to mention in which shelter he works. He declined an interview request.

His duties are those of a nursing assistant or a beneficiary attendant, as required. During the day, Carmant continues to hold his office as minister, before heading to his evening duties at the CHSLD. He signed up for two weeks, as requested by the premier.

Carmant is the only provincial minister and the only member of his Coalition Avenir Québec caucus who has, so far, agreed to lend a hand in a CHSLD.

Among the Liberals, five MNAS helped at infected CHSLDS: Gaétan Barrette, Enrico Ciccone, Monsef Derraji, Marie Montpetit and Marwah Rizqy.

Some spent a few days working there, while some continue to go, depending on availability. These MNAS were all elected in the greater Montreal region, where the majority of hardest hit CHSLDS are found, including some in their own ridings.

To date, no Québec solidaire MNA has given their time in a CHSLD. No Parti Québécois members have, either, though their MNAS represent ridings outside of Montreal, in regions less affected by the coronavirus.