Prime Minister François Legault assured Thursday afternoon that his government is closely monitoring what is happening at the Horne foundry in Rouyn-Noranda, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
• To read also: Cancer in Rouyn: Dr. Arruda denies having hidden information
• Read also: Public Health would have hidden important health information
“We are following the situation closely, as much on the environmental side as on the public health side, and even the economy, where we are talking to leaders and owners,” said François Legault, in response to questions. journalists on the sidelines of a press conference.
The Prime Minister has indicated that it is out of the question to close the foundry, because of its economic importance for the Rouyn-Noranda sector.
“The people there in Rouyn-Noranda don’t want us to close the business, it’s quite consensual,” he said, before agreeing that “there must be a plan to reduce health impacts.
Then, Mr. Legault recalled that Doctor Horacio Arruda explained on Wednesday that it is important to be careful before telling the population that there is an increase in the number of cancers in Rouyn-Noranda because of the presence of the foundry. Data on this will be made public in the coming weeks by Public Health, he added.
Finally, the Prime Minister wanted to reaffirm the independence of Public Health. “Again, we have no connection, they are really independent from public health. So it’s the decision of public health, what they release and when they release it.”
