Over two dozen doctors in the Outaouais region are considering a big move in their professional lives. They are making preparations to move their practices permanently out of the province. The recently passed Bill 2 is the biggest wild card in the possible exodus. It creates harsh criminal punishments for doctors and health workers participating in what the federal government calls “concerted actions.” François Legault’s government introduced and passed the bill in less than 24 hours. This legislation would be a start to reforming the way doctors are compensated and alleviate the fear-based bullying tactics deployed by today’s medical establishment.
Dr. Mélanie Lacasse is one of those considering the jump. Every day for the last 40 years, she’s put her heart and soul into treating her 700 patients in Gatineau. She expressed deep concern over the implications of Bill 2, stating, “I think it’s going to be a disaster, and I’m really afraid for myself, as a physician, but for my patients and for all the patients of the region because [the premier] is destroying the health care system.” Her feelings are a reflection of the increasing concern amongst physicians about the pendulum swing of health care quality in Quebec.
The Impact of Bill 2
Health Minister Christian Dubé warmly embraced the government’s move to pass Bill 2. He argued that the Bill is crucial to making sure that Quebec residents don’t lose access to the kind of medical care they need. He said that the province needed to “draw a line” because of continued irritations. Most of these frustrations come from prolonged negotiations with medical professionals, who have been working under an expired contract since 2023.
Critics say Bill 2 promises to produce dangerous results for delivery of healthcare services. Marcel Guilbault of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec warned, “It’s a bad way to get the patients to have a service that they need. The result will be a decrease of services, especially here in the Outaouais.” He added that noncompliance with the new law will likely lead older physicians to retire early, worsening the crisis.
The bill has already led family physicians to stage protests. In concert with other medical disciplines opposed to the legislation, they have ceased training medical students. André Fortin, a member of the Quebec National Assembly, emphasized the need for a more constructive approach: “We should be focused on retaining these doctors, training more, attracting some of the Ontario doctors back to Quebec instead of demobilizing them.”
Potential Exodus to Ottawa
As physicians consider their future, Ottawa offers a tempting prospect. The demand continues to grow, as the city is currently looking to recruit 270 doctors, an opportunity which could further tempt Outaouais physicians to move. Guilbault noted the potential trend: “Doctors will probably find a way to go to Ottawa because [Ottawa is searching for 270 doctors]. It’s a lot of doctors.”
Dr. Lacasse’s hesitation to relocate across the river illustrates a growing problem for health workers positioned within the province of Quebec. She expressed her fears regarding patient continuity: “We will have so many patients that will now be orphans.” The idea of losing seasoned physicians to adjacent provinces brings cries of crisis—we will someday lose our ability to provide access to care in every corner of Quebec.
