Quebec Premier Dismisses Medical Specialists' Salary Demands as Unreasonable
Premier François Legault has publicly declared that the salary increases requested by Quebec's medical specialists are not reasonable, highlighting a significant impasse in ongoing negotiations. This statement comes as the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), representing 5,000 specialists, expresses deep frustration with the slow progress of talks with the provincial government.
Growing Tensions in Healthcare Negotiations
On Wednesday, Legault emphasized to reporters that Quebec's treasury has its limits, directly addressing the specialists' demands. "What medical specialists are asking for as a salary increase is not reasonable," Legault stated firmly. "Really not reasonable." This stance contrasts sharply with the recent agreement reached with family doctors before Christmas, who settled for a 14.5 percent increase over five years, while specialists have yet to sign any deal.
The FMSQ has reported that its members are seeking a 17 percent salary increase, a figure that the government finds excessive. In a statement issued Wednesday, FMSQ president Dr. Vincent Oliva described specialists as "exasperated" with the negotiation pace, noting that their last agreement expired nearly three years ago on March 31, 2023. "They can't say we have not been patient," Oliva remarked, referencing government actions against specialized medicine in 2025 and hopes for improvement in 2026.
Government and Federation at Odds
Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau responded to the FMSQ's renewed pressure by asserting that their demands are too high. "They are putting pressure on the government, but there are budget restrictions in place and there are results that we want to see out of all this," Duranceau explained. She added, "We're continuing to talk. The idea is to not be at war, but we have to find a way to agree."
Oliva countered by recalling Legault's January promise to exercise leadership upon announcing his upcoming resignation, expecting it to resolve the deadlock. He reiterated the FMSQ's demand for government support to enable specialists to perform their work effectively. The federation has announced a special assembly of members for Thursday evening to discuss further actions, though there has been no immediate response to Legault's latest comments.
Broader Context and Implications
This conflict unfolds against a backdrop of previous protests, such as a concert-like demonstration against Bill 2 at Montreal's Bell Centre in November 2025. Unlike their family doctor counterparts, specialists remain without a contract as a second round of negotiations proceeds. The stalemate raises concerns about healthcare stability in Quebec, with both sides emphasizing the need for a resolution that balances fiscal responsibility with fair compensation for medical professionals.
As talks continue, the outcome will likely influence not only specialist morale but also the province's ability to retain and attract medical talent. The situation underscores the challenges of managing public sector wages amid budgetary constraints, a issue that resonates beyond Quebec's borders.
