Residences for the elderly (RPA) in Quebec must have a contingency plan in the event of a power outage, according to the Minister for Health and Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, who will not, however, require them to have a generator.
• Read also: Should RPAs be required to install generators?
“Today, I’m not here,” said Ms. Bélanger in an interview with TVA Nouvelles. Today, I asked to have a report on a complete situation report at the RPA level in connection with possible power outages.
However, she insists on the need to have a contingency plan in place to deal with these situations.
“Yes, a generator may be necessary, but beyond that, when you have a breakdown like that that lasts for several days, you have to be able to organize the work first, she continues. Having the necessary supplies, having the safety mechanisms and having a generator can be part of a contingency plan, but it is not the only action to be taken at the RPA level.
The financial question is also an issue.
“RPAs are currently in difficulty,” says the minister. I am very aware of this, I made decisions last December to support RPAs for the salary transition program to allow them to give them a little breather.
The pressure might be strong vis-à-vis this decision, in particular on the part of the FADOQ network, which would like there to be auxiliary electrical systems in residences for the elderly.
Watch the full report in the video above.
