Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx joined two other members of the CAQ cabinet on Friday in calling on the organizers of public events over the coming summer to cancel or postpone at least until Aug. 31 because of the ongoing COVID-19 virus crisis.
“The government of Quebec has had to make a difficult but necessary decision,” Proulx said in a statement. “We are aware of the impacts this represents for organizers, and we thank them for their contribution to the collective effort. We will be there to prepare a strong recovery in order to see Quebec and its festivities shine brightly a soon as possible.”
She was joined by Culture and Communications Minister Nathalie Roy, as well as delegated Education Minister Isabelle Charest, in the statement. They said the government is considering various alternative ways to support the festivals which would have been taking place this summer.
The province’s announcement comes after Laval mayor Marc Demers stated on April 7 during the most recent city council meeting that he preferred to wait until May before deciding whether to cancel Laval’s Fête nationale celebration and the more than $600,000 expense it entails.
