Based on coverage from Global and the Montreal Gazette.
Quebec's Bill 2 Sparks Doctor Exodus
In the wake of Quebec's controversial Bill 2, a significant number of the province's doctors are contemplating a move to other parts of Canada. The legislation, which ties physician compensation to performance targets, has led to nearly 400 Quebec doctors applying for licences to practise elsewhere since its introduction. This shift marks a notable departure from historical trends, highlighting the discontent among medical professionals.
Surge in Applications to Other Provinces
Since October 23, just before Bill 2 was passed, 377 doctors from Quebec have sought licences in other provinces. Ontario has received the lion's share, with 296 applications, followed by New Brunswick with 80, and a single application to Saskatchewan. British Columbia has also seen five applications since the beginning of October. While Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador do not track these metrics, the numbers from other provinces indicate a significant uptick in interest from Quebec doctors.
This exodus is not guaranteed, as some doctors may choose to withdraw their applications or decide against relocating. However, the volume of applications is a stark contrast to previous patterns. For instance, Ontario typically saw about 20 applications from Quebec between June and October 22, while New Brunswick usually received three or four per month.
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Reactions and Consequences of Bill 2
The Legault government argues that Bill 2 is necessary to improve access to healthcare for the 1.5 million Quebecers without a family doctor. However, many physicians criticize the reform, citing concerns over performance targets, frozen remuneration, and penalties for "concerted action." They argue these measures make their operations unsustainable and have sparked protests, public letters, and legal challenges.
In response to the backlash, the Quebec government has made several concessions, including pausing plans to cut clinic bonuses and pledging not to enforce surveillance clauses that would have allowed a "national inspector" to monitor physicians. Despite these adjustments, the discontent remains palpable, with 15 family medicine clinics in Montreal's west end warning they could close by April due to the financial and administrative burdens imposed by Bill 2.
Ontario's Open Arms and Doctors' Dilemmas
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has openly welcomed Quebec doctors, even inviting them to contact him directly. Ford's invitation has been met with criticism from Quebec Premier François Legault, who deemed it "totally unacceptable." Nonetheless, Ford confirmed that many Quebec doctors have reached out to him, viewing Ontario as a promising alternative.
For doctors like Dr. David Rothstein and Dr. Andrea Kessous, the decision to leave Quebec is not taken lightly. Rothstein describes the prospect of leaving as "heartbreaking," while Kessous laments the impact on her nearly 3,000 patients and the demotivation among medical students. She fears that instead of encouraging future doctors to stay and care for Quebec's aging population, Bill 2 is driving them away.
As Quebec's Bill 2 is set to take effect in the new year, the province faces a critical juncture. The legislation's impact on the healthcare system and the potential loss of medical talent will be closely watched, both within Quebec and across Canada.
