Despite the winter chill, Montreal residents gathered at Norman Bethune Square the day after Christmas to show support for transgender rights amid concerns over the impact of Quebec’s Bill 2 on healthcare clinics.
The Quebec government’s Bill 2, which aims to revamp doctor compensation, has stirred controversy since its introduction in October, raising fears of clinic closures in the near future.
Vanessa Durand, a participant in the march, emphasized the importance of government support for trans individuals’ healthcare needs, stating, “Trans people are people. We need help and support from the government, and we need healthcare.”
With Bill 2 set to take effect on February 28, 2026, approximately 40 clinics in Quebec are at risk of shutting down due to decreased funding, causing widespread concern among organizers and participants.
Celeste Trianon, the event organizer, expressed worries about the impact of Bill 2 on healthcare stability for all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community, noting the uncertainty surrounding access to essential treatments and medications.
Clinique l’Agora, a clinic catering to sexual health and vulnerable populations, recently announced its impending closure in April 2026 due to financial constraints, highlighting the immediate consequences of the bill.
The protesters marched along Sainte-Catherine Street to Berri Street, culminating their demonstration at Clinique l’Agora as a symbolic gesture of the potential ramifications of Bill 2 next year.
Trianon emphasized the significance of these clinics, particularly for marginalized communities, stating, “For so many, Clinique l’Agora is a place of hope. It is a place where people finally could see a future for themselves.”
Durand urged the public to unite in demanding the restoration of healthcare services threatened by the government, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing these critical issues.
