(Quebec) After several email exchanges, the solidarity MP for Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, was refused access to the Résidence Yvon-Brunet, although the CHSLD is in his constituency . A situation which rekindles the importance, according to him, of his colleague Christine Labrie’s bill to allow elected officials access to public establishments.
“We had a categorical refusal last week. We were told that it was not possible to go and visit,” says the supportive MP in an interview with La Presse Canadienne.
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard says he wants to go see the CHSLD after a citizen told him of her concerns about the dilapidation of the establishment.
“I find it simply unacceptable that I am being prevented from doing my job,” says the MP.
Contacted by The Canadian Press, the CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – which oversees the Yvon-Brunet Residence – confirms having refused Mr. Cliche-Rivard’s request for a visit.
Instead, the solidarity elected official was offered a meeting with the CEO of the CIUSSS, Vincent Lehouillier, “in order to understand the objectives of his request”. Guillaume Cliche-Rivard accepted it, but still wishes to be able to visit the Yvon-Brunet Residence. “If following this meeting, a visit is necessary, we will be happy to welcome them to our establishments,” assures Ms. Paquette.
Concerning the state of the CHSLD, the CIUSSS spokesperson affirms that the “facilities are subject to visits by Accreditation Canada aimed at evaluating the quality of our care and services” and that the Ministry of Health and Social Services ( MSSS) “regularly evaluates the quality of the living environment for people housed in accommodation centers.”
“I clearly told them that my intentions were to see the citizens I represent, to ask them about their quality of life, to see myself the quality of the places and the quality of installations,” indicates the solidarity elected official.
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard affirms that he was easily able to visit other public establishments in his constituency such as primary schools or CPEs.
A similar situation occurred with the solidarity MP for Sherbrooke, Christine Labrie, who was refused access to the Val-Du-Lac Youth Center a few months ago. She then tabled a bill aimed at facilitating access for elected officials to public establishments.
The question had provoked debates in the National Assembly.
A few weeks later, she was finally able to visit the youth center with the Minister of Social Services, Lionel Carmant.
The minister’s press attaché, Lambert Drainville, then indicated: “We agree that MPs should be able to see the resources of their constituency, especially those of a social nature.”
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard affirms that we must bring back the debate launched by his colleague, because the situation is not resolved. “It is absolutely necessary that we find a way through. Is this the bill or somewhere else? It can be discussed,” he maintains.
