Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is “out of danger” after collapsing during a press conference on homelessness Tuesday.
The mayor was answering questions from reporters but there was a sudden long pause before she kneeled to the ground. Plante was conscious when she was tended to by staff.
Journalists on site were asked to stop recording and the news conference was cancelled.
Plante got up with the help of staff and left the premises.
A spokesperson for the mayor confirmed to Global News the mayor was out of danger and will receive all the required medical support.
A similar message thanking people for their support was posted on Plante’s social media platform.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those who replied and sent the mayor wishes for a quick recovery.
Among other well wishers on X, formerly Twitter, was Quebec Premier François Legault who expressed his relief the mayor was feeling better.
Aref Salem, leader of the official opposition at Montreal City Hall, said his thoughts were with the mayor following her medical issue and that he wished her a speedy recovery.
In a social media update late Tuesday afternoon, Plante said she was feeling much better but that she’ll have to take it easy for the next few days.
“I was able to meet with a medical team and am doing well,” she wrote in French.
“However, as a preventative measure and to fully recover, I will have to reduce the pace of my activities in the coming days.”
Plante also said she’d be unable to attend the Ville-Marie borough council meeting Tuesday night, but that her colleagues would be taking over for her.
Plante also thanked everyone for their support.
“I feel blessed…” she wrote. “It really warms my heart.”
It is not clear how long Plante will be off for, but city spokesperson Catherine Cadotte said the mayor would resume work progressively.