A new poll reveals that the Legault government is facing significant public opposition to its controversial physician payment reform, with nearly half of Quebecers expressing disapproval and overwhelming concern about doctors leaving the province.
Public Opinion Turns Against Healthcare Reform
The Léger survey, conducted from November 7 to 10 for Le Journal de Montréal and TVA Nouvelles, found that 47 percent of Quebecers disagree with the reform, while only 27 percent support it. Another 26 percent indicated they didn't have enough information to form an opinion.
More strikingly, 73 percent of respondents expressed worry that the new measures will push physicians to practice elsewhere, highlighting deep public anxiety about the potential impact on Quebec's healthcare system.
Bill 2 Provisions Spark Widespread Concern
Bill 2, which was adopted under closure on October 25 and will take effect in the new year, introduces several contentious measures. The legislation freezes doctors' remuneration and imposes performance targets while granting the government authority to fine medical federations up to $500,000 per day for organized opposition to its policies.
Premier François Legault defends the reform as necessary to improve access to family doctors, noting that approximately 1.5 million Quebecers still lack a family physician. However, medical professionals argue the changes restrict their ability to provide quality care and appear more focused on cost-cutting than patient welfare.
Doctors Protest and Provincial Tensions Escalate
The controversy reached a boiling point when thousands of doctors gathered at Montreal's Bell Centre on November 9 for a mass protest demanding the suspension of Bill 2. The demonstration represented one of the largest physician protests in recent Quebec history.
The situation has also created interprovincial tensions, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford actively encouraging Quebec doctors to relocate to his province. According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, more than 250 Quebec doctors have already applied for licenses to practice in Ontario.
Legault condemned Ford's recruitment efforts as "totally unacceptable" but remains firm in his commitment to the reform, stating he has no intention of backtracking despite the growing opposition.
Political Fallout and Legal Challenges
The legislation has caused significant internal strife within Legault's Coalition Avenir Québec government. Lionel Carmant resigned as minister over the bill, while MNA Isabelle Poulet was excluded from the party caucus after criticizing the government's approach.
Legal challenges have also emerged, with Quebec's Superior Court recently rejecting a joint request from the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec and the provincial attorney general to accept a revised interpretation of certain law provisions that might have eased tensions.
As the January implementation date approaches, the standoff between Quebec's government and its medical community shows no signs of resolution, leaving patients and healthcare professionals alike uncertain about the future of medical care in the province.
