Quebec public health director Dr. Horacio Arruda gave his letter of resignation on Monday, admitting there was a recent “erosion” in public trust.
After having served Quebec for 12 years, Arruda believes that he gave the best of himself as he helped lead the province’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, according to his letter given to Premier François Legault. However, the loss of public trust appears to be what brought him to this decision.
"Do not see this gesture as an abandonment on my part, but rather the offer of an opportunity for you to reassess the situation, after several waves [of the pandemic] and in a context in constant evolution," he wrote.
Arruda has been on the receiving end of criticism since the beginning of the pandemic. However, he had to overcome a bombardment of negative comments over a statement he made publicly stating, N-95 masks didn't need to be distributed to health-care workers or teachers as they weren't better than procedural masks.
Arruda will be replaced by the President and CEO of the National Institute for Health and Social Services, Dr Luc Boileau. There will be a press conference today at 1 p.m. held by Premier François Legault.
