Philippe Couillard announces emergency cabinet shuffle

Premier Philippe Couillard announced an emergency cabinet shuffle Monday evening following news that his education minister, Pierre Moreau, must undergo treatment for a tumour. 

The changes to Couillard's cabinet include: 

• A reduced workload for Moreau, who will assist with the finance portfolio. 
• Sebastien Proulx, currently families minister, will add minister of primary and secondary education to his duties.
• Hélène David, formerly at culture, will take on the higher education portfolio.
• ​Luc Fortin becomes minister of culture and communications, minister responsible for the protection and promotion of the French language and minister responsible for the Estrie region.
• Lucie Charlebois will become the minister responsible for the Montérégie region.

"These adjustment will allow Minister Moreau to reduce his workload, as his doctors prescribed," Couillard told a news conference in Quebec City.  

"He has been given an indication from his physician that he is seriously ill," Couillard added.

"He will need to undergo serious treatments over the coming weeks. For many months he will not be able to continue his professional activity."

Moreau's office said he received the diagnosis from doctors on Monday. Biopsies are underway to determine the nature of the tumour.

Moreau spent several days in hospital earlier this year, and had only recently resumed his duties.

The education file promises to be contentious over the next several months as the government pushes ahead with a major reform of the province's school boards.

Couillard said Moreau's departure won't affect the government's plans.

Politicians from all sides of the political spectrum expressed support for Moreau, wishing him a speedy recovery. 

"We're with you with all our heart," the Parti Québecois' Bernard Drainville said on Twitter.