Letters: Bill 83 a poor prescription for health care

Montreal Gazette

13-05-2025

Will our politicians ever learn that penalizing never works as well as rewarding?
Why do they keep imposing conditions and regulations that end up accomplishing the opposite of what they intend?
How many times do they have to experience the negative outcomes of their decisions before they question their own logic?
The current conundrum is Bill 83, which forces Quebec-trained doctors to work in the public system for five years after obtaining a medical degree — or face hefty fines.
I don't see this legislation improving patient care, and it may well result in more young doctors leaving the province.
At the beginning of their professional journey, these doctors can easily be enticed to establish their careers elsewhere if they feel cornered and subjected to unreasonable orders.
I also expect Bill 83 to further congest overcrowded ERs and increase health care costs.
Ella Amir, N.D.G.
Pet owners lose crucial YUL service
Re: 'Airport expansion is a good thing' (Letters, May 10)
As one involved in international animal transport for over 50 years, I find the closure of Manoir Kanisha — the saviour of animals stranded or in temporary care — unconscionable.
The demolition of the pet boarding facility on the grounds of Trudeau airport is likely to have huge international repercussions.
For 35 years, pet owners from around the world and airlines relied on Manoir Kanisha to import and export pets safely through conflicting country regulations.
Now, the privileges of 24-hour pickup, veterinary attention, exercise, comfort, feeding, release from travel crates and contact with worried owners are no longer available.
With this decision, YUL has lost its international standing of Heathrow, Frankfurt, Charles de Gaulle, JFK and other airports offering pet services.
Sharon E. Cregier, Montague, P.E.I.
Turning the tide against ageism
Re: ' Wise to the benefits of male bonding ' (Extra, May 10)
Bravo to Susan Schwartz for her feature about the male bonding of gentlemen who have reached or, hopefully, will soon reach 90 years of age.
All too often, people of a certain age are perceived as having become victims of planned obsolescence and, therefore, categorized as yesterday's person.
It is imperative that one be reminded that ageism remains inculcated in the very nature and culture of our society and, thus, sanctions prejudice beyond the pale.
As time travellers, an appreciation of meaningful relationships brings forth the promise of a fulfilling tomorrow.
Brahms E. Silver, Côte-St-Luc
Choosing Charles sends a message
Re: ' Quebec flipping out on word the King is coming ' (Chris Selley, May 7)
It is sad that some critics in Quebec don't seem to see history beyond 1759. King Charles's scheduled visit to open Parliament is a case in point. They see it as a reminder of British rule.
However, because Canada's sovereignty is directly and unbelievably threatened these days by our neighbour to the south, I am sure the King's presence is an intentional reply to this threat.
Charles's throne speech will remind the world, and the U.S. in particular, that Canada is part of the Commonwealth and as such is not to be considered a piece of real estate to be coveted, grabbed or exploited by anyone.
Vera Bondy, Westmount
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