Prime Minister Francois Legault walked the cliffs of St-Benoit d’Amqui on Thursday morning in support of local citizens who chose to retake the complex after death, and a dozen others were reversed on Monday afternoon. .
• Read more: Relatives of one of the victims in Amqui had a bad feeling
Mr. Legault announced quickly. At the site Thursday, he was greeted by nearly 200 citizens, some who witnessed the tragedy and had to share the pain they were feeling.
Responding to these testimonies, the Prime Minister was clear. “Madness must not triumph over faith,” he insisted, promising that his government would take measures on mental health, especially in its budget to be tabled on March 21.
“We need to do more,” he said, adding that we all feel “a little bit guilty” when a tragedy like this happens.
“I am the first. We all wonder what more can be done.
Gerald Charest, 65, and Jean Lafreniere, 73, lost their lives in Steve Gagnon’s mad dash down the sidewalk of Main Street in the small town of 6,000 souls. Nine others were injured in the killings, including two who are still in critical condition at the Enfant-Jesus Hospital in Quebec.
Representation of elected officials in support of the community
The Premier was accompanied by opposition leaders Marc Tanguay, Gabriel Nadeau-Dupois and Paul St-Pierre-Plamonton to AmQ. Member of Parliament for Matane-Matapedia Pascal Bérubé, MP Kristina Michaud, MRC de la Matapedia Chantale Lavoie and Mayor Sylvie Blanchette were also present.
The group specifically visited the scene of the tragedy, spoke with local actors and citizens, and laid a wreath in tribute to the victims.
More details to come.
