Quebec Doctors Defy Gag Order to Challenge Controversial Bill 2

Quebec’s medical specialists are voicing their opposition to the province’s new legislation, known as Bill 2, despite a legal gag order intended to prevent them from doing so. Physicians argue that this bill threatens the quality of patient care, prompting them to take a stand. Dr. Debbie Schwarcz, a family and emergency physician, claims the legislation infringes on her rights and could lead to fines as high as $500,000 per day for doctors who engage in “concerted action” against government policies.

On the morning of March 3, 2024, the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) passed Bill 2, which aims to establish collective responsibility in improving access to medical services. The law stipulates that part of doctors’ compensation will now depend on the number of patients they treat. Dr. Schwarcz warns that this change will negatively impact patient care, stating, “All of a sudden, your appointment is going to be really much shortened,” which could lead to more visits being required for patients with complex health issues.

Dr. Lior Bibas, a cardiologist and intensivist, supports Schwarcz’s concerns, emphasizing that the most vulnerable will suffer as many doctors contemplate leaving the province or retiring. “We are not a system where we could lose five, 10 percent of our doctors, and yet everyone’s talking about taking their career elsewhere,” he noted.

The MUHC Patients’ Committee also expressed reservations about the bill. Chair Pierre Hurteau stated, “We are a bit anxious to see what’s going to happen, really what’s in it for us,” reflecting the concerns of patients regarding the implications of the new law.

Health Minister Christian Dubé was unavailable for comment but mentioned on the show Tout le Monde en Parle that the need for urgent action is critical, given that over a million Quebecers currently lack access to a family doctor. The urgency of addressing long wait times for surgeries and consultations was a key reason for the government’s swift passage of the bill.

In a show of dissent, a crowd of doctors gathered on the evening of March 2, 2024, to protest Bill 2. Many echoed Dr. Schwarcz’s sentiments, asserting that the legislation fails to address the real needs of patients.

As the debate continues, the implications of Bill 2 remain a focal point for both medical professionals and the public in Quebec.