A Shawville hospital has closed its obstetrics department.
CBC reports the closure is due to a nursing shortage at the Pontiac Hospital.
While it was initially planned to shut down for 6 months, an ongoing shortage of nurses led the the permanent closure of the unit.
There are currently only 3 nurses trained to work in the ward, however 12 are needed.
The shortage has caused a spillover effect in which expectant mothers in the area are travelling to Pembroke and Gatineau to give birth.


