The Quebec Medical College has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with Bill 7, which could allow for political influence that might compromise the scientific autonomy of public-health organizations.
In a letter addressed to the Commission des institutions, College president Dr. Mauril Gaudreault highlighted worries about the proposed legislation aimed at streamlining bureaucracy and enhancing the efficiency and accountability of senior public servants. The bill seeks to merge the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux and the Institut national de santé publique du Québec into a new entity called the Institut québécois de santé et de services sociaux, while transferring the operation of national laboratories.
While acknowledging the goal of centralizing expertise to improve government efficiency, the College expressed concerns that the current form of Bill 7 could jeopardize the scientific and decision-making independence of public-health bodies. Dr. Gaudreault emphasized the importance of maintaining autonomy and effectiveness in areas such as surveillance, prevention, and health promotion to safeguard the credibility of scientific advice and avoid undue political or economic influences.
Drawing attention to the potential pitfalls of political interference, the College highlighted the example of the United States, where recent reorganizations resulted in funding cuts to crucial health institutions, impacting their ability to respond to health crises effectively. The Quebec Medical College urged the government to revise the legislation to ensure the autonomy and effectiveness of public-health organizations, particularly in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keyphrase: Quebec public health legislation
