Woman sexually assaulted at Trudeau airport COVID facility after CBSA reject her negative test

A man has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman who was trying to find something to drink at a COVID detention facility for returning travellers near the Montreal-Trudeau airport.

"This story is heartbreaking. We are wholeheartedly with the victim. Once again, it is the Liberals who have not been able to deploy enough resources to ensure the safety of travelers who must quarantine in hotels after their return home," said New Democrat MP and Deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice.

According to La Presse, a woman, who identified herself simply as "Sarah," left her government room where she bumped into 29-year-old Robert Shakory, who then allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Sarah had also provided a negative test, though the CBSA rejected it, forcing her into the facility or otherwise facing a fine.

Shakory, originally of Windsor, Ontario, was arrested and charged by local police.

He has been released on bail and will be in court on May 3.

"It's quite disturbing to see that. It is nonsense when you think that the government puts these people in hotels to ensure their safety. We realize that it is not at all guaranteed," Bloc MP Kristina Michaud told La Presse, translated from French.

According to Chris Selley of the National Post, deadbolts on hotel doors had been removed to allow detainees easier exit, in the case of an emergency.

"Once again, the government is not clear in its measures. These things should have been done from the start... If they are having difficulty managing the influx on a phone line, imagine for the economic recovery we are heading towards. How will they manage, when this will be a primordial moment for our SMEs, our companies, the future of our children? It takes a serious government,"  said Conservative MP Richard Martel.