Quebec City has announced it will no longer advertise on a radio station it accuses of encouraging people to disregard the health measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The municipal administration said in a statement that the actions of the owners of CHOI Radio X pose a danger for public health and the well-being of citizens.

The decision comes after the station refused to air a provincial government ad that invited Quebecers to be on the lookout for "charlatans" who spread false information.

On the airwaves on Monday, host Dany Houle denied the station promoted conspiracy theorists or encouraged people to disobey the rules. As evidence, he played a clip that featuring some of the station's hosts encouraging the public to wear masks.

But he said radio hosts have a right to ask questions, such as why physical distancing rules vary from country to country.

The management of the station did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2020

The Canadian Press