Despite premier's calls for Quebecers to stay home, Liberal MNA Pierre Arcand vacations in Barbados

Despite repeated calls by the federal and provincial governments not to travel, Quebec Liberal MNA Pierre Arcandis in Barbados for the holidays.

A witness in the Glitter Bay area of the island reported seeing Arcand to Radio-Canada.

In a statement to Radio-Canada, Arcandsaid he now regrets the decision, "given the current situation in Quebec and the respect we owe to health workers."

Arcand said that when he and his wife realized Quebec's public health rules meant no family Christmas with children and grandchildren, they headed to the West Indies.

"Despite the fact that travel is not prohibited, we are aware of the magnitude of criticism against people travelling south [during the pandemic]," he said. Still, he addedthat Barbados is "currently one of the safest places in the world."

Arcand said he and his wife were tested for COVID-19 on Dec. 22, before their departure.They flew south on Dec. 25. Two days later, they had a second, mandatory testin order to be able to leave their home.

He said they will also be quarantining for 14 days upon returning to Quebec, as requiredby the federal government.

Canadians discouraged from travelling

On Tuesday, Quebec Health MinisterChristian Dubsaid travellers planning to return home to Quebec after holidaying abroad shouldface strict measures, including being tested for COVID-19 before flying and once again upon their arrival.

A spokesperson for Quebec Liberal Party Leader Dominique Angladesaid she"discourages everyone from travelling. Rules allow for such movements. Madame Anglade expects those who do to adhere to the mandatory quarantine on return."

Wednesday, Angladefaced a barrage of media questionsabout Arcand's travel. She said he should fly back to Quebec as soon as possible.

Earlier this month,Coalition Avenir Qubec (CAQ) MNA Denis Tardifremoved himself from caucus after being caught on video not respecting distancing measures in a bar inRivire-du-Loup.

Qubec Solidaire says none of its MNA have travelled. The Parti Qubcois did not respond to Radio-Canada's inquiries.

Arcand was the interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party from October 2018 until May 2020, when Anglade was acclaimed. He has representedthe riding ofMont-RoyalOutremontin Montreal since 2007.