By Murray Sherriffs
=
CAQ leader Christine Fréchette is rejecting the billion dollar cost overrun that Radio-Canada news reported, relating to an IT project in the health-care system suggesting that her government disregarded an analysis that suggested the Santé Québec project (SIFA) could cost $1 billion, not the $96 million initially estimated.
=
The Premier admits her cabinet pre-authorized $329 million of spending in July, but insists the health agency needs authorization to spend more.
=
Politicians are offering opinions on that year-old baby found unattended near the Notre Dame homeless encampment this week”
• “…I believe all elected officials should intervene”, said Liberal party leader Charles Millard, citing serious failures;
• “…the City of Montreal will be an important partner [for the Parti Québécois) in changing the course of where homeless people are growing in numbers of thousands very quickly.” said PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon;
• “…interventions have previously been carried out by the City of Montreal, so does the mayor want to stop this type of intervention?” said Coalition pour l’avenir du Québec leader Fréchette; and
• “…I can’t wait. I’m looking at all the options, even legal ones,” said Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada.
=
Following this week’s leaders debates, it’s back to campaigning:
• The Liberals are pledging to make the CLSC system stronger;
• The PQ says the CAQ lack the pill to deal with the homeless; and
• The CAQ will make veterinary care more affordable.
=
Montreal police will no longer hog-tie out-of-control suspects, in light of the death of a man last year. A coroner attributed the fatality to cocaine intoxication and ‘probable’ positional asphyxia.
=
Premier Fréchette is calling on Prime Minister Carney to give Quebec “…special status with new alliance with Europe, and a formal seat at the table and direct participation in discussions.”
=
A panel of experts, meeting at Montreal’s Palais des congrès has debated the role that AI could play in helping to solve the health care mess in Quebec, including the shortage of professionals.
=
The Sûreté du Québec has intercepted a motorist on Highway 15 north in Boisbriand, doing 184 km/h in a construction zone, where 80 is the limit: Ticket = $1,918 + 24 demerit points + impound tow charge and lot fees as well as permit suspension until December.
=
Sunny / 20º today + tomorrow
Cloudy / 19º Sunday