I would like to express my great displeasure and concern about the remarks that Tania Longpré, the Parti Québécois candidate in the Viau riding, recently posted on her Facebook page. An article describing these comments was also published on November 10 in the Journal de Montréal/TVA. In her posting, Mme Longpré said that she favours the removal of the word “Jewish” from the name of the Jewish General Hospital. The article notes that she is now trying to distance herself from these remarks, claiming that her initial comments were made in haste and do not represent the full range of her views. Nevertheless, it is deplorable that a candidate for public office has made such an unreasonable statement, which has no place in the political discourse of this province. From time to time, critics and commentators have asked whether it is proper for a publicly funded institution to proclaim its religious affiliation in its name. The emphatic answer is “Yes”. The Jewish General Hospital was launched in 1934 in an era when it was still common for healthcare institutions to embellish their names, facilities and medical programs with overtly religious metaphors and symbols. This had been the practice ever since the founding of Montreal and the establishment of the original Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in the early 1640s.

The custom continued for more than three centuries and is evident today in the names of hospitals such as Sacré-Coeur, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Justine and Saint-Luc. When the founders of the Jewish General Hospital named their institution, they were simply following an example that had been set by society. Seen from a modern perspective, the JGH was distinguishing itself from Montreal’s other hospitals through an early form of branding. Today the word “Jewish” remains an intrinsic, essential and inseparable element of the hospital’s history and values. It is a reminder that the JGH, whose motto is “Care for all”, has had a strictly non-discriminatory policy since the day it opened, in sharp contrast to the exclusionary practices that once existed in most other Montreal hospitals. Furthermore, the JGH’s policy was enacted many years before such a measure was formally required by provincial or federal human rights legislation.

For nearly 80 years, the Jewish General Hospital has excelled in serving patients from across Quebec, which has had a vibrant Jewish community for approximately 250 years. The hospital has done its utmost on behalf of Quebecers by drawing strength from the Jewish values of extending medical treatment to those in pain, compassion to those in distress, and assistance to those in need. In addition, the JGH’s values inspire respect for all religions, cultures and ethnic communities; recognition of the diversity and contribution of every member of staff; and a commitment to fostering a work environment where each person is valued, respected and supported. This commitment to a superior quality of care is a source of pride for the JGH which, for decades, has earned the support of government at all levels and all political persuasions. The Jewish General Hospital has no intention of dropping “Jewish” from its name, and it considers any such suggestions to be deeply offensive and discriminatory.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Rosenberg, M.D.

Executive Director

Jewish General Hospital