Quebec has announced a new proposal to the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), introducing performance goals for medical specialists along with a significant budget boost.
Unveiled on Sept. 4, the updated offer builds upon the initial proposal from April, with an additional $72 million allocated over the next two years.
In this latest plan, the compensation structure for medical specialists will continue to be tied in part to meeting performance targets, a point of contention for the 11,000 specialists represented by former Premier Lucien Bouchard during negotiations.
Key Feature: Quebec Medical Specialists Offer
Quebec has committed close to $5 billion annually until 2028, with a focus on rebalancing compensation across 59 specialties, such as ophthalmology, radiology, and cardiology.
While the increased funding is welcomed, concerns have been raised by specialists in fields like radiology who have experienced stagnant fees for the past 15 years.
Furthermore, the proposal introduces progressive performance benchmarks for emergency departments, aiming to reduce patient wait times on stretchers from 16.5 hours in October 2025 to 14 hours by the summer of 2028. It also targets faster outpatient care with a goal to reduce the wait time to four hours by 2028.
Related Development: Quebec Specialist Waiting List Crisis
Over the past five years, the number of Quebec residents waiting to consult a specialist has surged from 500,000 to over 900,000, setting a concerning new record high.
In response, Quebec’s Health Minister is anticipated to introduce amendments to Bill 106, emphasizing the need for physicians to take greater responsibility for enhancing access to medical services and fostering collective accountability.
