Irrespective of premier’s phone calls for Quebecers to keep house, Liberal MNA Pierre Arcand holidays in Barbados

© Radio-Canada
Quebec Liberal Social gathering MNA Pierre Arcand flew to Barbados with his spouse for the vacations. He now suggests he regrets the decision.

Inspite of recurring phone calls by the federal and provincial governments not to travel, Quebec Liberal MNA Pierre Arcand is in Barbados for the holiday seasons. 

A witness in the Glitter Bay region of the island documented looking at Arcand to Radio-Canada. 

In a assertion to Radio-Canada, Arcand said he now regrets the final decision, “supplied the latest scenario in Quebec and the respect we owe to health and fitness personnel.” 

Arcand reported that when he and his wife understood Quebec’s general public overall health procedures meant no family members Xmas with children and grand-little ones, they headed to the West Indies. 

“Even with the truth that vacation is not prohibited, we are conscious of the magnitude of criticism towards persons travelling south [during the pandemic],” he mentioned. Nonetheless, he added that Barbados is “at present a single of the most secure destinations in the globe.”

Arcand reported he and his spouse had been tested for COVID-19 on Dec. 22, ahead of their departure. They flew south on Dec. 25. Two days later, they experienced a 2nd, required test in purchase to be capable to leave their residence.

He mentioned they will also be quarantining for 14 days upon returning to Quebec, as required by the federal govt.

Canadians discouraged from travelling 

On Tuesday, Quebec Well being Minister Christian Dubé said travellers arranging to return residence to Quebec after holidaying abroad should face rigid actions, which include staying tested for COVID-19 in advance of traveling and after once more upon their arrival. 

A spokesperson for Quebec Liberal Bash Chief Dominique Anglade said she “discourages anyone from travelling. Procedures allow for for this kind of movements. Madame Anglade expects those who do to adhere to the required quarantine on return.”

Before this month, Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) MNA Denis Tardif taken out himself from caucus right after being caught on online video not respecting distancing measures in a bar in Rivière-du-Loup. 

The CAQ states a single of its MNAs experienced to travel outdoors the province for personal reasons, but has not specified who the MNA is or why they remaining. 

Québec Solidaire says none of its MNA have travelled. The Parti Québécois did not reply to Radio-Canada’s inquiries. 

Arcand was the interim chief of the Quebec Liberal Celebration from October 2018 till May possibly 2020, when Anglade was acclaimed. He has represented the riding of Mont-Royal–Outremont in Montreal considering that 2007.