Over a thousand individuals assembled in front of the National Assembly on Saturday to voice their opposition to Bill 2, a controversial legislation impacting doctor payments and performance evaluations.
Bill 2, swiftly introduced and passed on Oct. 24, implements strict performance benchmarks for doctors, accompanied by penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the oversight and monitoring of medical practitioners.
During the protest, Dr. Gabrielle Voisine, an emergency room physician, characterized Bill 2 as “a severe blow to the healthcare system,” denouncing the government’s authoritarian approach in pushing through such a significant law.
Family doctor Kim Lévesque expressed concerns about the diminishing morale among medical professionals, citing various challenges faced by doctors, including Bill 2 and increasing pressures on the healthcare system.
Neurologist Renée-Myriam Boucher highlighted the unprecedented discontent within the medical community and commended Laurence Carmant, a medical specialist and daughter of former minister Lionel Carmant, for her articulate critique of the impacts of Bill 2.
Following Laurence’s public denouncement of Bill 2 and contemplation of leaving Quebec, the only doctor in the Legault government, Minister of Social Services Lionel Carmant, resigned.
Despite calls from the College of Physicians to suspend Bill 2 and eliminate its performance targets and penalties, the government rejected the proposal, sparking further outrage within the medical community.
A subsequent gathering of doctors is scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Bell Centre to continue protesting against Bill 2 and its repercussions.
