Quebec’s new law implementing changes to doctor remuneration and cracking down on pressure tactics was swiftly approved in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The legislation, backed by a majority vote of 63 to 27, has sparked controversy and strong reactions from various quarters. Quebec Solidaire’s health spokesperson, Vincent Marissal, criticized the move, describing it as an illogical attempt by Premier François Legault to take a tough stance against doctors.
Under the updated law, doctors are forbidden from engaging in coordinated actions that could disrupt healthcare services and training, with severe penalties such as hefty fines in place for violators. For instance, groups of doctors conspiring to leave the network or cease teaching could face fines of up to $20,000 per day.
The legislation also introduces a new payment system for doctors, linking a portion of their earnings to performance metrics. General practitioners are expected to provide a set number of appointments annually, while specialists must complete surgeries within specified timeframes.
Despite opposition from doctors who argue that meeting these targets is unfeasible due to resource constraints, Health Minister Christian Dubé defended the law as a necessary step towards improving healthcare delivery in Quebec.
The Quebec Federation of Medical Specialists (FMSQ) has expressed discontent with the law and plans to challenge it in court. Dubé has urged doctors to carefully review the legislation’s numerous provisions before taking any decisive actions.
