Quebec’s Top Health Official Apologizes After Public Tirade
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A Heated Exchange on Sainte-Catherine Street
Dr.Luc Boileau, Quebec’s National Director of Public Health, has issued an apology following the release of a video showing him engaged in a profanity-laced argument with a pedestrian in Montreal. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday evening on Sainte-Catherine Street near the iconic Hudson’s Bay store, was captured on the action camera of a passing electric scooter rider.
the confrontation began when the scooter rider reportedly approached Dr. Boileau, who was crossing the street, and made a personal remark: You’re very ugly, what’s it?
. What followed was a minute-long exchange of insults from both parties, each escalating the verbal attack.
“Do you Know Who You Are Talking To?”
Dr. Boileau, appointed to his position in 2022 by the government of François Legault following the departure of Horacio Arruda, responded with his own barrage of insults, even filming the exchange with his phone. He reportedly questioned the scooter rider, stating, “Do you know who you are talking to? To the National Director of Public Health, you will have a ticket, they will find you.”
“Do you know who you are talking to? To the National Director of Public Health, you will have a ticket, they will find you.”
Luc Boileau, National Director of Public Health of Quebec
The scooter rider, identified as singer François Gagnon by Radio-Canada, claimed to be traveling at 20 km/h and denied committing any traffic violations. He also admitted to not reacting at his best during the encounter.
A Response and a Call for Respect
Dr. Boileau, in a statement released via email, expressed regret for his behavior, attributing it to a reaction “under emotion.” He stated he was “surprised and shaken by a scooter that was driving in the wrong way, at high speed, which burned a red light and which almost hit me.” He further added, I made inappropriate comments. I sincerely regret it.
He concluded by expressing hope that the incident would serve as a reminder of the importance of sharing public spaces with “prudence and respect.”