Derfel on the end of Quebec Covid numbers
Here’s Aaron Derfel’s Twitter thread on Quebec’s decision to discontinue posting Covid case and fatality numbers as of Friday – and why he thinks it’s a bad idea.
I’ve been updating the basic numbers daily in the column on the right of the main blog, for several months. After Friday I may have to take that feature down.
DeWolf 11:04 on 2020-06-25 Permalink
Things like this (not to mention Bills 21 and 61) make it seem like the CAQ is pushing us towards a new Grande Noirceur. Keep the public in the dark, promote a kind of conservative nationalism, undo checks and balances, pave the way for big business, all while the premier plays the role of a good-natured mononcle.
Ian 11:09 on 2020-06-25 Permalink
If I thought Legault was modelling himself after anyone, Duplessis would be the first person to come to mind. Populist, paternalistic bigot looking to keep Quebec from evolving? Check, check, check and check.
Myles 11:28 on 2020-06-25 Permalink
Absolutely, Ian. One of the CAQ ministers (McCann?) saying Quebecers needed to stay docile was one of the best examples I’ve seen of a politician accidentally saying how they really feel out loud.
Kate 22:52 on 2020-06-25 Permalink
Myles, it was Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault.
Kevin 09:51 on 2020-06-26 Permalink
Most of the data is still coming in on paper and fax, so I’m of the opinion that a bunch of bureaucrats have decided it’s just too hard to keep doing this when many people are on vacation.
I mean, it’s not like anyone has ever heard of a group email or anything /s
DeWolf 15:29 on 2020-06-26 Permalink
Looks like public and media pressure worked: the new health minister just announced that daily updates will resume on Monday.