LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Horrific situation at seniors’ homes Re: “Poor preparation, underfunding of CHSLDS blamed” (Montreal Gazette, April 9)

The treatment of our most vulnerable is terrible. Residents at seniors’ homes dying without safe arrangements provided for end-of-life visits is horrific for both family and friends.

Allan J. Levine, Côte-st-luc

Install free Wi-fi in all CHSLDS

I am the legal mandatory to a good friend who has been part of my family for many years. When she was moved to a CHSLD, I installed a camera in her room, mainly to make it possible to “virtually” be with her.

The camera was affordable but the internet is costing $50 a month.

It took much time and effort to set up this service in her room. Notwithstanding, this camera has been a blessing in these unprecedented times. At the least I can see her, which is much more than many people who have loved ones in long-term residences.

A suggestion for the government is to set up internet availability throughout all senior residences. This would make it possible for families to be able to access the benefits of free Wi-fi, especially in difficult times like those we are going through now. Ellen Holzman, N.D.G.

Ice cream is not an essential service

Like many people, I am respecting government instructions to stay home and only leave when necessary. However, I have a difficult time understanding why online companies — specifically apparel companies like Reitmans and Lululemon — are still operating and shipping clothing from their warehouses.

Are leggings considered essential services? Working in warehouses and shipping clothes can spread the coronavirus. I am not suggesting they don’t take customer orders, but they should ship when business activities are allowed to resume.

Furthermore, how is an ice cream shop permitted to stay open? Will people die or go hungry if they don’t have their daily treat?

I appreciate the measures our government has taken. But take a drive around cities like Laval and you will see many people still working at companies that are not producing anything essential.

And when the weather gets warmer, and those ice cream shops get swamped, will this still be deemed an essential service?

I can understand why grocery stores and pharmacies remain open, but not clothing warehouses and certainly not ice cream stores.

Nathalie Rosenthal, Montreal

Self-help guide and language

The Coalition Avenir Québec knows very well not everyone understands written French. I feel the government is gambling with our health by mailing out unilingual selfcare guides.

Right now, Premier François Legault must put the health and safety of all Quebecers above everything else and use every tool at his disposal, including language.

An English version is available online but I find it irresponsible that it was not printed and sent out. At the very least, the front page of the French guide should have indicated how the English version can be accessed (follow the links at www. quebec.ca/en/).

Given the circumstances, I’m quite sure even ardent nationalists would understand the reasons for including English in this guide. Italo Camerino, Dollard-des-ormeaux

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