Premier Philippe Couillard and Ministers Gaétan Barrette and Robert Poëti take part in the inauguration of the Shriners Hospitals for Children

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 20, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Québec Premier Philippe Couillard, the Minister of Health and Social Services Gaétan Barrette, and the Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region Robert Poëti, took part in the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Shriners Hospitals for Children — Canada located in Montréal.

"When I was Minister of Health and Social Services in 2003, the Québec government actively collaborated with key players to keep the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Montréal. We convinced them of the advantages to maintain their activities here, and we are very happy to take part in today's inauguration and see the result of this large-scale project. This is excellent news for children and their families. The new paediatric medical care and research centre will be world-class," said the Premier.

The new Shriners Hospitals for Children, which neighbours the new Montreal Children's Hospital McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), is twice the size of the previous hospital, which was established on Cedar Avenue in Montréal in 1925. It has more than 20 individual rooms, as well as an operating area and various research areas.

"With its super-specialized paediatric orthopaedic care and services, the Shriners Hospitals for Children is a full fledged partner in our health network and an undeniable asset to Montreal's scientific influence. It goes without saying that the construction of this new hospital beautifully complements the wave of modernization in university medicine in Montréal, and we therefore express our deepest gratitude to the very generous Shriners organization," added Minister Barrette.

"Today, I share in the pride of all those who furthered the construction of the new Shriners hospital in Montréal. Far-reaching, innovative projects like this contribute to Montréal's development and presence on the international scene. This modern institution which is unique in Canada, will have a lasting effect on the city's standing, as well as on medical progress, improving the well-being of children here and abroad," said Minister Poëti.

SOURCES:	Harold Fortin Spokesman for the Premier Director of Communications Office of the Premier of Québec Telephone: [phone]
	Joanne Beauvais Press Attaché to the Minister of Health and Social Services Telephone: [phone]
	Anne-Catherine Couture Press Attaché Office of the Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region Telephone: [phone]

SOURCE Cabinet du premier ministre

Harold Fortin, Spokesman for the Premier, Director of Communications, Office of the Premier of Québec, Telephone: [phone]; Joanne Beauvais, Press Attaché to the Minister of Healthand Social Services, Telephone: [phone]; Anne-Catherine Couture, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, Telephone: [phone]