The mayor of Montreal collapsed while answering questions during a live television broadcast as officials rushed to her aid, while others called to turn off the cameras.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante was answering questions from the media on homelessness within her city when the incident occurred.
Valérie paused momentarily before closing her eyes and gripping the podium with both hands before falling to the floor.
“Direct them to other kinds of services, so I would…. Oh no,” she said before collapsing.
As aides rushed to the podium, others approached a cameraman, telling them to stop filming her.
Watch
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is recovering after she collapsed at a news conference today. pic.twitter.com/RLsbclYUwg
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 5, 2023
Medics rushed to the scene. However, Plante was not transported to the hospital, according to CTV.
Plante was elected in 2017 as the first female mayor of the city.
In the last election, Projet Montréal won a majority of city council seats, allowing Plante to implement a progressive agenda.
The mayor’s aides blamed her collapse on her harsh schedule, which they said has taken a toll on her mental state.
“She will gradually resume her activities and thanks everyone for their understanding and support,” said the mayor’s press attachée Catherine Cadotte.
Cadotte followed up on the statement, assuring Plante’s supporters that she was all right.
“The mayor of Montreal suffered a dizzy spell during a press conference and, fortunately, is out of danger,” it read.
La mairesse de Montréal a subi un malaise en conférence de presse et, heureusement, elle est hors de danger. Elle recevra tout l’accompagnement médical requis et vous remercie pour votre soutien. #polmtl
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) December 5, 2023
“She will receive all the medical attention she requires, and thank you for your support.”
“I’m thinking of you, Valérie. Speedy recovery,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau replied.
