By Canadian Press

Ex-N.B. doctor demands apology from premier after COVID-19-related charge dropped

Jun 4, 2021 | 9:08 AM

The Crown in New Brunswick has dropped a charge against a doctor accused in May 2020 of violating COVID-19 measures and who was subjected to hate after being outed online.

Jean-Robert Ngola had faced a single count of violating the province’s Emergency Measures Act, but his lawyer, Joel Etienne, says that charge was withdrawn today by the prosecution.

Ngola and his lawyers are repeating their call for New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs to issue an public apology for statements made last May 27.

Higgs had referred to an “irresponsible” health-care worker being investigated by the RCMP for failing to self-isolate, in connection to an outbreak in the province that resulted in 40 COVID-19 cases and two deaths.

Ngola, a physician of Congolese descent, faced a barrage of racism and hate after his positive COVID-19 status was leaked on social media.

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The doctor has since relocated to Quebec.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2021.

The Canadian Press