Quebec promises to ease rules around volunteering after public outcry
MONTREAL — Martin Thibert, mayor of a small Quebec town by the U.S. border, was almost finished painting the interior of his kids’ public school with the help of a group of volunteers when an inspector showed up.
The provincial construction inspector told the gathering of parents, grandparents and teachers that painting a school for free — and without the proper licence — is illegal in Quebec.
She then demanded the names and IDs of all 10 people in the room.
“At first I refused but then she threatened to call the provincial police,” said Thibert, mayor of Saint-Sebastien. “My wife went home to get my ID because she didn’t want me getting arrested over painting a school.”