Danielle McCann out as health minister as François Legault shakes up cabinet
Benjamin Shingler | CBC News | Posted: June 22, 2020 11:21 AM | Last Updated: June 22, 2020
Shuffle also sees Simon Jolin-Barrette moved out of immigration
Danielle McCann, who has been at the forefront of the Quebec government's response to the pandemic, has been replaced as health minister in a major overhaul of François Legault's government.
Treasury Board President Christian Dubé will take over the health portfolio as the province prepares for a possible second wave of COVID-19.
Legault said Monday he is looking to Dubé to "breathe new life" into the ministry. He said urgent reforms are needed to better manage regional health authorities and modernize the way information is shared within the health-care system.
In that regard, Legault said, "we are really in the stone age."
McCann had a long career in the health-care sector before entering politics, while Dubé's background is in finance.
Legault said, however, that Dubé has experience in management and improvements in that regard are needed to ensure the health-care system is better run.
"Ms. McCann did a lot in a year and a half, but there's still a lot to do," he said. "I think that right now we have to work on the organization and the accountability of the people in the health-care system."
Dubé's last piece of legislation, Bill 61, aimed at jump-starting the economy, was widely criticized and ultimately blocked by the opposition earlier this month.
Justice Minister Sonia LeBel will take over his position and will have the responsibility of revising the bill when the National Assembly returns after the summer break.
Watch: Legault explains his decision to appoint a new health minister
Changes to education, immigration
McCann, for her part, takes on the role of minister of higher education.
The change splits responsibility for the Education Ministry between two ministers, with Jean-François Roberge maintaining the rest of the education portfolio.
Legault said the move will allow Roberge focus on elementary and high schools during the pandemic.
Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, another high-profile member of cabinet who oversaw a series of controversial and at times failed reforms, is being moved to the Ministry of Justice.
Nadine Girault, minister of international relations, will keep her current role while also taking over the immigration file, currently held by Jolin-Barrette.