Talks aimed at overhauling how Quebec's physicians are paid have reached a standstill. The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (FMOQ) and the Coalition Avenir Québec government have broken off negotiations, leaving a major piece of the province's healthcare puzzle unresolved.
Rare Meeting Fails to Bridge the Divide
The breakdown follows a rare, direct meeting held on December 4, 2025, between FMOQ President Marc-André Amyot and Quebec Premier Francois Legault. Despite the high-level discussion, the two sides were unable to find common ground on the core principles of a new compensation model. The government is pushing for a reform that it says would better align doctor pay with patient care objectives and system needs, while the FMOQ has raised significant concerns about the proposed structure's impact on physician practice and income stability.
Core Issues Behind the Impasse
While specific financial details from the closed-door talks remain confidential, sources indicate the deadlock centres on more than just base salary figures. Key points of contention include:
- Payment Structure: The move away from a predominantly fee-for-service model towards a blended or salary-based system.
- Workload and Autonomy: Physician concerns about increased administrative burdens and potential loss of clinical independence under a government-directed pay scheme.
- Retention and Recruitment: Fears that the proposed reform could make Quebec less competitive in attracting and keeping doctors, exacerbating existing staff shortages.
The government argues that the current system creates inefficiencies and does not incentivize the type of care, such as family medicine and work in underserved regions, that the network desperately needs.
What's Next for Quebec Healthcare?
This collapse in negotiations represents a significant setback for the CAQ government's healthcare agenda. With no new talks scheduled, the path forward is uncertain. The government could attempt to impose changes unilaterally, a move that would likely provoke strong resistance from the medical community, including potential job actions. Alternatively, a return to the bargaining table would require a substantial shift in position from one or both parties.
The stalemate leaves thousands of Quebec physicians in limbo regarding their future compensation and practice conditions. It also delays broader efforts to reform a healthcare system under immense pressure. Patients and advocacy groups will be watching closely, as the outcome of this dispute will have direct consequences on access to medical services across the province.
