In a powerful letter to the editor, a Quebec patient has issued an emotional plea for the provincial government to retain its medical talent, sharing her personal story of being saved by a surgeon who is now questioning his future in the province.
A Surgeon's Life-Saving Care
JoAnne St-Gelais of Gatineau credits Dr. Ahmed Aoude with saving her life in July 2022. Dr. Aoude, an orthopedic spine and oncologic surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital, diagnosed her with a myxofibrosarcoma above her right knee. Then, in May 2024, he saved her leg after she suffered a complete femur fracture.
In her letter published by the Montreal Gazette, St-Gelais describes Dr. Aoude as "the most humane, generous, empathetic, skilled and compassionate person I know." She emphasizes that with his unique combination of specialties—which includes degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering—he is precisely the type of surgeon Quebec cannot afford to lose.
The Shadow of Bill 2 and Performance Metrics
St-Gelais's praise comes amidst growing concern over Quebec's Bill 2 and its potential impact on physicians. Dr. Aoude himself authored an opinion piece in November 2025, describing the bill as a "betrayal" and questioning whether he can remain in Quebec.
The patient directly challenges the government's approach to health-care management. "I am so tired of the doctor bashing I’ve been seeing," she writes, recalling the praise heaped upon healthcare workers during the pandemic. She argues that the government may see Bill 2 as a solution, but it fails to translate to daily practice.
Her view on performance indicators is clear: they should not be about numbers, volume, or duration of interventions. Instead, they must focus on listening, empathy, improving patients' health, and saving lives—qualities she experienced firsthand with Dr. Aoude.
A Broader Crisis in Healthcare Support
The letter is part of a series of public concerns regarding Quebec's healthcare system. Another letter from Jean (Wasacz) Biernat of Dorval calls for more support for hospital staff after a recent visit to the MUHC emergency department. Biernat observed staff working under "dreadful circumstances" without complaint and urges the government to increase pay or hire more personnel to lessen their burden.
Further criticism is directed at the government's handling of clinic operations. A letter from Karen Aronoff of N.D.G. suggests that Premier François Legault's efforts are chasing away doctors and forcing clinics to close. Aronoff points readers to two petitions—one on the National Assembly site expiring December 9, 2025, and another titled "Bill 2: Code Red" on Change.org—as avenues for public action.
The debate also extends to other legislative measures. A letter from Jordan Black of Rosemont critiques Bill 9, the secularism bill, citing what he calls the "absurdity" of Minister Jean-François Roberge's examples regarding Christmas celebrations.
Finally, a note on public safety from Dan Frank of Montreal argues that while French must dominate signage, English should be included on safety warnings, referencing a coroner's finding about a misleading sign at a Verdun beach where a man drowned.
St-Gelais concludes her heartfelt message with a direct appeal to Dr. Aoude: "Please don’t leave. We need you and your colleagues so very much." Her letter stands as a stark reminder of the human cost behind policy decisions and the critical need to value the medical professionals who form the backbone of the healthcare system.
