Quebec Pediatricians Protest Bill 2, Fear Impact on Children’s Care

URGENT UPDATE: Protests erupted across Quebec on November 16, 2025, as pediatricians rallied against Bill 2, a controversial law that ties doctors’ pay to performance metrics. Demonstrations unfolded at the province’s four major pediatric hospitals, with healthcare professionals voicing grave concerns over the bill’s potential to compromise children’s access to essential medical care.

At the forefront of the protests were pediatricians, specialists, and families, many of whom donned blue squares and released blue balloons outside the Sainte Justine Hospital in Montreal. Similar gatherings were held at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil in Quebec City, and the Fleurimont Hospital in Sherbrooke.

Dr. Marie-Joëlle Doré Bergeron criticized the law’s vulnerability criteria, stating, “The criteria in Bill 2 are completely inappropriate for children and pregnant women.” Under the proposed law, healthy children are categorized as “green,” placing them at the bottom of the priority list for care. “Children are by definition a vulnerable population,” she emphasized, highlighting the developmental and mental health challenges they face.

The implications of Bill 2 extend beyond immediate healthcare access. Dr. Hélène Decaluwe, a pediatric immunologist and clinical researcher, warned that the law could stifle vital health research. “When I lead my research team, I am not performing well in the eyes of the law,” she stated during the demonstration, underscoring fears that critical research initiatives may be jeopardized as financial incentives shift focus toward quantifiable procedures over patient outcomes.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has not responded to requests for comments from media outlets, leaving many questions unanswered as the protests continue.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; as healthcare professionals push back against legislative changes, the future of pediatric care in Quebec hangs in the balance. Families, doctors, and researchers alike are calling for immediate action to protect the health and well-being of children across the province.

What happens next remains to be seen, but pediatricians are committed to opposing Bill 2 until their voices are heard and the needs of the most vulnerable populations are prioritized. The protests are a clarion call for the community to rally behind the healthcare professionals fighting for children’s rights and access to quality medical care. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.