Thousands Rally at Bell Centre Urging Quebec to Halt Doctors’ Pay Reform

Thousands gathered at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Sunday, voicing their opposition to the Quebec government’s controversial Bill 2. This proposed legislation links a portion of doctors’ compensation to performance metrics and was passed through the National Assembly following a closure invocation by the provincial government.

Doctors Rally Against Bill 2

Approximately 12,500 tickets were distributed for the rally, attended by doctors, medical students, and supporters. Key figures included Dr. Marc-André Amyot, president of the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ). He noted the unprecedented scale of the mobilization, stating he had never witnessed such a strong response to legislation in his 33 years of practice.

Concerns Over Performance Metrics

Premier François Legault has advocated for performance targets, claiming they would better serve the 1.5 million Quebec residents without a family doctor. However, Dr. Amyot remarked that these performance indicators could endanger patient care, as emphasized by the Quebec College of Physicians.

• Linking pay to patient volume may compromise care quality.
• Many physicians are reportedly seeking opportunities in other provinces, with 250 applications received by the College of Physicians of Ontario since October 23, 2023.

Resources and Support Needed

Dr. Vincent Oliva, president of the medical specialists’ federation, criticized the focus on performance targets without addressing resource shortages. He called for increased staffing and resources to ensure effective patient treatment.

Despite the government’s recent suspension of two provisions of Bill 2, both Dr. Oliva and Dr. Amyot stated that meaningful negotiations would not proceed unless the law is repealed entirely. They emphasize the need to foster trust and transparency in the healthcare system.

Political Implications

The proposed reforms have stirred unrest within the governing Coalition Avenir Québec. Following dissent within party ranks, one minister resigned, while another voiced strong criticism of the handling of the legislation. Opposition parties have joined the medical federations in calling for a withdrawal of the law.

A statement from the Health Minister’s office acknowledged the concerns raised at the rally but reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access to care for all Quebec residents.

As the debate continues, the future of Bill 2 and its impact on healthcare in Quebec remains uncertain.