The Quebec Court of Appeal orders the emergency room in Rivière-Rouge in the Laurentians to remain open 24 hours a day despite the region's labor shortage.
• Also read: “Citizens’ fundamental rights are at stake”: A town in the Laurentians goes to court to save its plight
“It's unprecedented […] and it sends a very strong signal for the future,” says lawyer Carl-Éric Therrien happily.
In a unanimous ruling, the province's highest court overturned the Supreme Court's decision and issued an interim injunction maintaining night service.
Due to the severe shortage of staff, the CISSS des Laurentides wanted to close the emergency room in Rivière-Rouge from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Photo Hugo Duchaine
Instead of giving up, the small community decided to take legal action.
“We cannot be defeatist [face aux enjeux de main-d’œuvre]», pleads Carl-Éric Therrien, adding that it is not only the healthcare system that is affected by this reality.
For his part, the mayor of Rivière-Rouge, Denis Lacasse, said he was relieved for the residents who maintain their nighttime state of emergency. According to him, those involved should use this ruling to talk to each other and find long-term solutions. “My door is open,” he said.
Since receiving an initial injunction, the CISSS des Laurentides had called for volunteers, overtime and the forced movement of employees to maintain emergency services.
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