coronavirus powers to hire a lobbying and communications firm that billed taxpayers more than $140,000 for its first 21 days of work in advising Montreal health-care officials on what to say about dozens of unexplained deaths.The emergency powers, adopted by Quebec Premier François Legault’s government on March 13, were meant to be used to protect people from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
They gave the health minister extraordinary powers to issue contracts and buy any supplies deemed necessary to protect public health.
They also gave the minister special powers to ensure the health-care network maintained adequate staffing levels. Quebec long-term care homes grappling with major challenges, military report.