Health Minister Dubé Vows to Crack Down on Doctors Delaying Digital Health Record

UPDATE: Health Minister Christian Dubé is taking decisive action against doctors reportedly delaying the rollout of Quebec’s Digital Health Record (DSN). In a tense exchange late on October 27, 2025, Dubé confirmed that penalties will be imposed on medical professionals obstructing this critical initiative.

During a press briefing, Dubé responded to questions from Vincent Marissal, a member of the Québec Solidaire. Marissal questioned if refusing to participate in the DSN rollout could be deemed a “sanctionable” action. Dubé emphasized that “pressure tactics” from doctors had caused significant delays, stating, “There will be actions taken specifically regarding the DSN,” indicating urgency in addressing the issues plaguing the initiative.

The DSN pilot programs scheduled for this fall in the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal and Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec have been postponed due to these alleged obstructions. Dubé expressed frustration, reiterating, “It’s only because of that that the project has been delayed.”

Despite the backlash, Dubé’s office later attempted to clarify his comments, asserting that actions would not target “past actions” but rather aim for swift resolution to get the DSN back on track. Communications director Catherine Barbeau stated, “The goal remains to get everything back to normal quickly, without having to impose sanctions.”

Critics are raising alarms. Marissal labeled Dubé’s tone as threatening, suggesting it resembled a “witch hunt” against doctors. Liberal health critic Marc Tanguay pointed out existing problems in the DSN rollout, highlighting previous missteps by the Health Ministry, including inadequate budgeting for essential staff training.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The special legislation passed early Saturday morning imposes heavy penalties on physicians who attempt to withdraw or delay their professional activities. This move is framed as necessary to ensure that healthcare providers can access critical information swiftly, ultimately leading to better patient care.

As tensions rise, the question remains: will Dubé’s measures effectively address the delays, or will they exacerbate the divide between healthcare officials and medical professionals? The next steps in this contentious issue are anticipated, with stakeholders closely watching how the government will implement its new powers.

This report is based on information from The Canadian Press and underscores the vital importance of the DSN in modernizing Quebec’s healthcare system. As this story develops, further updates will be provided, emphasizing the immediate impact of these decisions on both healthcare providers and patients alike.