Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank all the witnesses for their insightful comments. We have to find solutions. My first question is for Mr. Brunet.
Your opening statement was very compelling. You're known for your anything but complacent attitude. It's a quality I appreciate.
On March 13, Quebec was the first to declare a public health emergency, when it had just 17 cases and no deaths. Two months later, the situation is this: the number of cases will surpass 40,000 by tomorrow and more than 3,220 people have died.
Most of the witnesses we've heard from—even some today—have told us that, early on, the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the health care system exacerbated the rampant spread of the virus. They cited underfunding of the system as the main reason.
Many would prefer to standardize the rules from coast to coast to coast, but health care is the domain of the provinces and Quebec. You had reservations about nationalizing CHSLDs, saying you preferred that Quebec pass legislation requiring a minimum level of care and services in CHSLDs and retirement homes, whether private or public. I'd like you to elaborate on that.
Tell us, if you would, what the parameters or key pillars of that legislation should be.