Investigation into the death of Joyce Echaquan begins, Île-aux-Tourtes bridge closed, Quebec: COVID-19 vaccine for teens

Hadassah Alencar

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Investigation into the death of Joyce Echaquan begins 

It’s been almost eight months since Joyce Echaquan died at a hospital in Joliette. On Thursday, an investigation into her death began.

A nurse who was fired for hurling racist insults at Echaquan apologized, saying “I know I was cruel and I apologize.”

At the time, the nurse said Echaquan was good for sex, a burden on the healthcare system and better off dead. Later, the nurse deleted the video Echaquan had recorded of her.

The nurse tried to argue she was tired and overworked when she said those comments. An argument which the coroner overseeing the inquiry said wasn’t an excuse.

Île-aux-Tourtes bridge closed

Île-aux-Tourtes bridge was closed on Thursday over safety concerns. 

Over 83,000 cars cross this bridge that connects Montreal's West Island to Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Tolls will be suspended on Highway 30 to help ease the traffic this unexpected closure will inevitably cause.

Quebec: COVID-19 vaccine for teens

Quebec is opening vaccinations for children from ages 12-17.

Appointments can be made in Montreal as of Friday. 

In early June, doses will be offered at Quebec schools, either by a vaccine truck or by transporting students to a nearby vaccination clinic.