In a significant development, a daycare owner has been charged with child abuse, leading to the closure of his four facilities. Félix Mercier, aged 33, faces allegations of assault causing bodily harm to a five-year-old child. His operations have been under scrutiny since his arrest in September, prompting actions from the Ministry of Family.
Background on the Allegations
Mercier was charged in connection with an incident involving a young child whose identity remains protected. Despite the serious charges, Mercier continued to operate his daycares, known as Garderies éducatives Saint-Lin, Saint-Jacques, Saint-Alexis, and Saint-Esprit, which together can accommodate up to 147 children, with 118 of those places being subsidized.
Closure Notices and Ministry Actions
The Ministry of Family issued notices for the revocation of the daycare licenses due to the pending charges against Mercier. On December 30, he received notice from a bailiff confirming that the closures would take effect on January 9.
Political Response
Louis-Charles Thouin, a local MP, expressed concern over the abrupt closure impacting over a hundred families. Following discussions with the Ministry, a temporary reprieve was granted, allowing the daycares to reopen for a limited time on January 10.
Future of the Daycares
The Ministry has extended the operation permits until February 6. Mercier must finalize a sale agreement for his businesses by March 31. He claims to have identified potential buyers, emphasizing that they already run subsidized daycare facilities.
Ongoing Restrictions
While Mercier can manage the daycares, he has been prohibited from being present during operating hours due to the serious nature of the charges against him. He maintains his innocence and has not commented on previous inspections and complaints lodged against his facilities.
Conclusion
This situation highlights the critical issues surrounding child welfare and the responsibilities of daycare operators. As this case unfolds, the welfare of the children and the future of the facilities remain paramount concerns for the community.
- Daycare Owner: Félix Mercier, age 33
- Charges: Assault causing bodily harm
- Number of Facilities: Four daycares
- Total Child Capacity: 147 children
- Subsidized Places: 118
- License Revocation Notice Date: December 30
- Closure Effective Date: January 9
- Temporary Operations Resumed: January 10
- Final Sale Agreement Deadline: March 31
