Talks stall between Quebec doctors, health minister on Bill 106
Doctors, foreground, sit a a legislature committee studying the remuneration of doctors at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/ The Canadian Press)
Conversations between Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé and the province's medical federations are stuck at a standstill.
Both sides remained stubborn on Tuesday at the opening of consultations on Bill 106, which would change the way doctors are paid.
Dubé's plan is to link up to 25 per cent of their remuneration to performance indicators, which have yet to be determined.
The idea has been criticized by doctors, who argue that the government is moving towards a fast-food approach to medicine.
Christian Dube
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube speaks at a legislature committee studying the remuneration oof doctors, at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)
In addition, the Federation of General Practitioners of Quebec (FMOQ) and the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (FMSQ) have stated that if the government wants doctors to do more, it must provide them with resources, such as operating theatres.
They warned that Dubé's Bill 106 undermines motivation, which could lead to an exodus of doctors from the province.
According to FMOQ, 22 per cent of general practitioners are over 60.
Pascale Breault, Marc-Andre Amyot, Isabelle Gaston, Benoit Heppell.
Doctor Marc-Andre Amyot, president of the federation of general practicians (FMOQ) speaks at a legislature committee studying the remuneration of doctors, at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Dr. Pascale Breault, from the left, Marc-Andre Amyot, Dr. Isabelle Gaston and Dr. Benoit Heppell. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)
Bill 106 was tabled on May 8, amid negotiations to renew the framework agreement with two medical federations.
Dubé has not ruled out passing the legislation under a gag order.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 27, 2025.
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