Quebec has reached an agreement in principle with the province’s medical specialists – the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ).
Premier Christine Fréchette and the FMSQ made the announcement on social media just before 4:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon.
“Thrilled to announce the conclusion of an agreement in principle with the FMSQ,” wrote Fréchette. “Upon taking office last week, I met with France-Élaine Duranceau (Treasury Board President) and Sonia Bélanger (Health Minister) to review the status of the discussions. I’ve said it often: we needed to find a solution, and quickly. This agreement respects a (Quebecer’s) ability to pay and will help improve access to care for the entire population. That’s our priority!
“I’ll let the FMSQ’s bodies review the agreement before revealing the details. One thing is certain: we must continue our collaborative work for the benefit of (Quebecers).”
Heureuse d’annoncer la conclusion d’une entente de principe avec la @FMSQ. Dès mon arrivée en poste la semaine dernière, j’ai rencontré @FEDuranceauCAQ et @SBelangerCAQ pour faire le point sur les discussions. Je l’ai dit souvent, il fallait trouver une solution et rapidement.…
For its part, the FMSQ also confirmed it had reached an agreement in principle with the government for the renewal of its framework agreement. “The agreement will be presented shortly to the relevant bodies for approval.”
The framework agreement with specialist doctors expired on March 31, 2023.
MISE À JOUR SUR LA NÉGOCIATIONLa FMSQ confirme être parvenue à une entente de principe avec le gouvernement du Québec pour le renouvellement de son Accord-cadre.L’entente sera présentée prochainement aux instances pour approbation.
Negotiations between the government and the FMSQ resumed earlier this month after a meeting with Duranceau. At the time, Dr. Vincent Oliva, president of the FMSQ, called it “an important step in the right direction.”
The office of the President of the Treasury Board said “constructive discussions… led us to formally resume negotiations.”
“Beyond the monetary aspect, several elements remain to be negotiated. Our objective remains to improve healthcare for Quebecers. We will not comment further.
Negotiations had been suspended for several weeks. The two sides having last met officially on Jan. 31.
Specialist doctors had been demanding a 14.5 per cent salary increase over five years, but the CAQ remained firm on its offer of 11 per cent. It’s unclear what the current deal in principle actually landed on.
The CAQ government recently granted a 14.5 per cent increase to family doctors, in addition to a 2.5 per cent bonus if they achieve care objectives.
–With files from La Presse Canadienne
