Members of the National Assembly will convene urgently on Friday to expedite the approval of a new bill that aims to change how doctors are paid and discourage their pressure tactics.
Quebec Premier François Legault has announced that the special bill will also include measures to prevent a possible mass departure of doctors from the province.
Tensions between the Legault government and doctors have been rising ever since Health Minister Christian Dubé introduced Bill 106 in May. The proposed legislation seeks to tie a portion of doctors’ pay to performance metrics.
Doctors have been pushing back, arguing that they require more resources, such as increased capacity in operating rooms, to meet the government’s targets. They have also criticized the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) for promoting a “fast-food” approach to healthcare.
In response to the deadlock, the Legault administration has opted for a forceful approach, compelling lawmakers to work through the weekend to hasten the bill’s passage.
Opposition parties have criticized the government’s use of such tactics, pointing out that continued dialogue with doctors would be more beneficial than imposing restrictions.
The possibility of alienating doctors could have serious repercussions for patient care, cautioned critics.
