Quebec Physicians Depart for New Brunswick as Pay Law Sparks Exodus
At least seven Quebec doctors, including a thoracic surgeon and an emergency room specialist, are abandoning the province for improved working conditions in New Brunswick. This move fulfills threats made after the controversial adoption of Bill 2 last fall, a divisive doctors' pay law currently under revision by the Quebec government.
Licensing Data Reveals Growing Trend
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick has issued 24 licenses to Quebec doctors since October 2025. Among those departing are three family doctors, one radiologist, and one obstetrician-gynecologist, all set to join the Vitalité Health Network in bilingual New Brunswick.
This physician flight compounds an existing crisis, following the loss of 33 doctors from the Outaouais region to Ontario, which left over 15,000 patients without care and strained Santé Québec's efforts to address family doctor shortages.
Healthcare Networks Actively Recruiting Quebec Talent
Dr. Natalie Banville, vice-president of medical affairs for Vitalité, reported significant interest from Quebec physicians. "Between Oct. 27, 2025, and January 15, 2026, 246 physicians from Quebec expressed interest in Vitalité," she stated. "Of this total, 82 candidates have already participated in an interview, 13 have completed exploratory visits, and seven have accepted job offers."
Banville emphasized Vitalité's appeal as an employer of choice for francophone physicians, citing New Brunswick's quality of life and supportive interdisciplinary teams. Meanwhile, the Horizon Health Network recruited 131 doctors from other provinces by January's end, with specific Quebec numbers pending confirmation.
Government Response and Statistical Confusion
Emmanuella S. Proulx, press attaché to Health Minister Sonia Bélanger, acknowledged the departures while attempting to reassure the public. "We understand that these departures, regardless of the reason given, may raise concerns," Proulx said via email. "Santé Québec is working closely with regional teams to ensure continuity of services and implement necessary solutions."
However, confusion persists regarding exact departure numbers. When pressed for statistics on doctors leaving since October, Santé Québec claimed they don't maintain such data, highlighting communication issues between the health ministry and the state corporation formed in December 2025.
Broader Provincial Physician Migration Patterns
Recent migration data reveals shifting trends across Canada:
- Quebec reported a net gain of 95 physicians from other provinces in 2024, second only to Nova Scotia's 113
- Ontario experienced the country's highest net loss of 207 physicians to other provinces
- Quebec appears poised for a net loss in 2025 amid ongoing dissatisfaction with government policies
This context explains Ontario Premier Doug Ford's open invitation to Quebec doctors last fall, which angered Premier François Legault but capitalized on Bill 2 discontent.
Legislative Attempts to Stem the Tide
Seeking to repair relations with physicians and prevent further departures, Health Minister Sonia Bélanger recently introduced Bill 19. This legislation effectively reverses most contentious aspects of Bill 2, arriving months before a scheduled provincial election.
The ongoing exodus threatens to leave thousands more Quebec patients without family doctors, exacerbating existing healthcare access challenges across the province. As interviews continue in New Brunswick and Quebec works to implement solutions, the physician migration crisis represents a significant test for healthcare systems in both provinces.
