A small figurine of Quebec’s director of public health, given to him as recognition for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, will have to be handed over to authorities because it runs contrary to the province’s ethics rules, The Canadian Press has learned.
The 30-centimetre likeness of Dr. Horacio Arruda was created by Montreal’s Studio Artefact using 3D printing. The company’s design director, Louis-Philippe Dugre-Thibaudeau, posted on May 8 about the item, calling it “A colourful work for a man who is just as colourful.” But the figurine runs afoul of the province’s ethics regulations, exceeding what is deemed “acceptable” according to rules regarding ethics and professional conduct of public administrators.