Quebec government orders three Jewish Orthodox schools in Montreal to shut down
The Quebec government has issued formal notices to three Jewish Orthodox schools to stop holding classes immediately after they were found to be openly defying the order to shut down.
The Ministry of Education confirmed Monday afternoon that it has sent the legal notices, but did not name the schools that were notified.
With the latest suite of public health measures shutting down schools, bars, gyms and other public settings in Quebec, questions were being raised as to why authorities were not intervening in schools and places of worship that are choosing to remain open.
On Monday, students filed into classes at a Jewish Orthodox school in Côte-des-Neiges through a side door in an alleyway.
A letter to parents obtained by CTV News suggests the school clearly knows it’s breaking the rules.
“The front entrance to the elementary school is NOT TO BE USED for drop off OR pickup,” the letter stated.
“It is best that they do not wear backpacks as this will draw unnecessary attention.”
Last week, CTV News reported on another nearby Jewish school that was staying open in defiance of the rules, as well as a church, Good News Chapel in Saint-Leonard, that held an illegal mass on Sunday.
Its pastor has openly defied public health restrictions, even though at least two people died following an outbreak at the church on Couture Boulevard.
Montreal police were outside as the service took place Sunday, but did nothing. Many people are wondering why that was, when rampant infections are filling Montreal hospitals to the breaking point.
“Before we have more of these potential patients coming from schools, whether they be private or public, these churches, whatever the religion is, before we have these potential patients coming in, I would want the authorities to sanction and make sure the rule is applied to everyone," said Paul Brunet, a patients’ rights advocate.
"Because we need all those beds."
Montreal police say when it comes to COVID-19 measures, they have very specific powers granted by public health. For example, they can ticket someone for breaking curfew.
But for most other alleged infractions, like those at a church or school, police say they can only take notes and pass them on to the Crown prosecutors' office, which decides whether fines will be issued or charges laid.
The approach taken by Montreal is in contrast to that taken by the counterparts in Laval. On Sunday, police there were tipped off that almost 40 people were gathering inside the Colisée de Laval arena. Police in that city didn't hesitate to go in and shut down the gathering.
“It’s something illegal, so you cannot continue doing what you’re doing when you’re not supposed to," said Stephanie Beshara, a spokesperson for Laval police.
"You’re supposed to stop immediately the illegal gathering and activity."
Laval police say prosecutors will still decide if there will be fines or charges.
Asked about the Côte-des-Neiges school defying the rules, one man told CTV he didn't have a problem with it.
“Practicing religion is an essential thing,” he said outside the school.
In a statement, Quebec’s public security minister, Genviève Guilbault, appealed to religious leaders to ensure their communities respect the rules and to do their part to get this fifth wave of the pandemic under control.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.