MNAs criticize clinics telling patients they might lose their doctors due to Bill 106
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)
Like Health Minister Christian Dubé, opposition parties on Wednesday condemned the decision by several clinics to send letters informing their patients that they risked losing their doctors if Bill 106 was passed.
'I find it borderline unethical,' Liberal health spokesperson André Fortin said at a news conference. 'This may be crossing the line. I don't know if this is the best way to convey their argument.'
In these letters, which The Canadian Press was able to review, clinics warn their patients that Bill 106, which aims to link doctors' pay to performance targets, will have 'major consequences' for them.
For example, the Fort Chambly clinic warns that 'several of [its] doctors are actively considering their future.'
'It is important for us to inform you of this, as these decisions could directly affect you,' the letter states.
'I don't like threats,' Minister Dubé commented briefly on Wednesday.
The day before, he had asked the College of Physicians to investigate whether this was a concerted action by the clinics, which the College agreed to do.
'Any disinformation tactic is reprehensible,' said Vincent Marissal of Québec Solidaire at a news conference. 'There are things in these letters that are not true ... These clinics must retract their statements, because they are scaring people.'
He deplores the fact that clinics have suggested that patients will lose their doctors if they are not in the same region.
'There will be grandfather clauses. If you already have a doctor in Laval but live in Ahuntsic, you will keep your doctor,' he said.
'Any exploitation of patients for political purposes ... is to be prohibited,' said Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis.
Since it was tabled on May 8, Bill 106 has triggered outrage. The two medical federations, as well as the College of Physicians, have condemned the bill in a parliamentary committee, urging the government to do its homework again.
Doctors argue that by seeking to increase volume, the government will undermine the quality of care. They also deplore the imposition of performance targets when they have no control over factors like the availability of operating rooms.
After promising a doctor for every Quebecer, the Coalition Avenir Québec government now aims to have every person covered by a 'healthcare environment' by 2026.
Approximately 1.5 million Quebecers do not have a designated doctor or healthcare professional.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French May 28, 2025.
By Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press
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