Clearing up false reports, checking politicians’ statements, finding the real numbers: Our Bureau of Investigation, based in Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa, specializes in the art of fact finding. Every Saturday, our journalists and researchers bring you their findings so you can see more clearly on the week’s news.
THE STATEMENT
During Thursday’s parliamentary session, Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) MP André Fortin questioned Minister for Health and Social Services (MSSS) Christian Dubé about the working conditions of nursing staff.
Mr Fortin underscored: “We’re getting back to basics. Quebecers are waiting in emergency rooms longer than ever. Quebecers are waiting longer than ever for their surgeries.” The ministry was unable to quickly provide statistics for emergencies. On the other hand, the average length of stay last year was 4:45 p.m., the worst value since 2013.
FACTS
The Pontiac MP is right about the operations when he says Quebecers are waiting more than ever. In fact, the province peaked at 163,991 pending procedures in December 2022, according to the MSSS. For January 2023, that number fell slightly to 161,698, but is still the second-highest number of outstanding surgeries since 2019. The ministry was unable to quickly provide statistics for emergencies. On the other hand, the average length of stay last year was 4:45 p.m., the worst value since 2013.
-with the collaboration of Philippe Langlois.