Hospital in Quebec discloses details of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont case
Updated Scenario for the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (HMR)
After a long wait, the Legault administration has finally crafted a plan to shake loose the file for the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (HMR) and kick off preparatory work this year. Yet, the news is met with underwhelming response.
The official announcement is due at the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, with Health Minister Christian Dubé confirming the news on Tuesday.
The project will start with the construction of a parking lot adjacent to the hospital, providing space for the hospital's modernization. A $85 million budget has been set aside for this purpose.
No additional funds have been allocated to make this investment happen; the money comes from the $3.6 billion allocated for health in the Quebec Infrastructure Plan (PQI).
Insiders familiar with the file reveal that Health Quebec has recovered funds from various ongoing healthcare projects that were expected to consume less money this year.
"Nobody's Popping the Champagne"
Since putting the project on hold post-budget, the Legault administration has faced constant heat. On Tuesday morning, the three opposition parties in the National Assembly convened a press conference with hospital reps to crank up the pressure on the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) once more.
Despite the announcement, hospital reps were far from elated. "A parking lot won't bring a smile to anyone's face. This news is just a smokescreen," commented veteran HMR physician Dr. Pierre Dubé.
The opposition fears that construction of the parking lot might be a tactic to divert attention and stall the project again once that step is completed.
"The worst-case scenario is a parking lot, no project, and no more funding," declared Quebec Party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. He's worried about the potential for a future government to inherit an empty parking lot and no funds to undertake the hospital project.
Major Renovations Needed to Keep the Current Hospital Running
Hospital reps also emphasize that it will take several years before the project is completed. In the interim, substantial investments will be required for various renovations to ensure the hospital's continued functionality.
The Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital has been in the headlines for months due to its deteriorating condition. Last week, strong winds caused a massive power outage and shattered windows at the hospital.[5]
The Legault government has pledged major renovations for HMR for years, but keep pushing back the timeline, citing financial constraints and priorities elsewhere.[6]
Controversy Surrounding the Arthabaska Hospital Project
Besides HMR, Minister Dubé's plan includes freeing up another hospital project in Arthabaska, as revealed by La Presse on Tuesday.[7]
This disclosure raised eyebrows among opposition members in the National Assembly, as this hospital is located in a riding where a by-election is scheduled soon.
Quebec solidaire MP Vincent Marissal commented, "I'm glad for the people of Arthabaska, they need a hospital there too. But why not Drummondville, which is almost in the same state as Maisonneuve-Rosemont? Why not Saint-Jérôme, which is also in a lamentable state?" The only difference between the three cases, Marissal believes, is the forthcoming by-election in one of the ridings.
During the study of the budgetary credits, the deputies inquired if it was an electoral choice. "We have made no hospital projects for political reasons," the minister replied.
The Arthabaska project involves renovating the emergency room and operating room of the Victoriaville hospital. The project, valued at a total of $360.8 million, had reached the implementation stage, but no funds had been allocated this year. This is what the government is correcting by adding funds, the exact amount of which was not disclosed on Tuesday.
Three other projects - seniors' residences (CHSLD) - also benefit from the same boost under Minister Dubé's plan: the CHSLD of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and the conversion of the former CHSLD in Palmarolle, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Henri-Bradet, in Montreal.[7]
Also read:
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital project postponed to an indefinite date
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital sacrificed to save other projects
- Maisonnevere-Rosemont Hospital work to be done "in due time," says CAQ
- Quebec College of Physicians criticizes government's budget priorities
Sources: The Canadian Press, La Presse
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- The Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (HMR) project, a longstanding concern in the field of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness, finally has a confirmed timeline for preparatory work this year, according to policy-and-legislation updates.
- Despite the announcement, a source close to the file reveals that the Legault administration may be using the construction of a parking lot as a smokescreen, leading to concerns about the project's actual progress and future.
- Part of the funds for the project come from the Quebec Infrastructure Plan (PQI), with no additional allocation specified for this investment.
- Opposition parties have voiced concern that the construction of the parking lot might be a political maneuver to divert attention from the hospital's much-needed renovations, with potential implications for the hospital's functionality in the long run.
- The controversy surrounding the Arthabaska Hospital Project, another part of Minister Dubé's plan, has raised eyebrows due to its timing, as it is located in a riding where a by-election is soon to be held.
- The French-language newspaper La Presse reported that the Arthabaska project, along with three other senior residences (CHSLD) projects, will benefit from increased funding under Minister Dubé's policy and legislation, but the exact amounts were not disclosed.
