Sonia Bélanger, who replaces Christian Dubé as Quebec’s health minister – an official swap that was made on Friday afternoon. Bélanger, a former junior health minister, oversaw seniors, caregivers, and social services. Today, he serves in that capacity for the province — one of the most critical health policy jobs in North America.
In naming her to the role, Premier François Legault said that premier’s confidence in Bélanger’s ability to steer the province through a health care storm. As well as celebrating this important victory, he recognized that the difficult work is just beginning, particularly with a general election now looming. Bélanger’s extensive background in health care, including her previous positions as CEO of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal and executive director of the CSSS du Sud-Ouest-Verdun, positions her well to tackle these challenges.
Bélanger expressed her gratitude towards Dubé for his contributions, stating, “I’m truly very happy to be here this afternoon and very honoured by the trust the premier has placed in me. The challenge is enormous, and I feel capable of meeting it.” She reiterated her government’s commitment to ensuring that health care services continue to be accessible to all Quebec residents.
Experience in the Health Sector
Having served in the cabinet of former premier Philippe Couillard, Sonia Bélanger is expected to step into her new role as health minister easily. With a background as a trained professional nurse, she has spent years navigating the complexities of the health care system. This role as President and CEO of CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal gave her deep, practical understanding of health administration and patient care.
Last year, Bélanger was elected as a Member of the National Assembly representing the riding of Prévost in the scenic, culture-rich Laurentians north of Montreal. Since then, she has been a tireless advocate for sound, sensible health policies that put citizens’ needs first. Her past role as junior health minister allowed her to collaborate closely with various stakeholders, enhancing her understanding of the challenges faced by the health care sector.
Dr. Marc Amyot, president of the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec, has collaborated with Bélanger on critical issues such as medical aid in dying. In addition, this experience emerges as proof of her capacity to collaborate with medical professionals in order to implement favorable reforms inside Quebec’s health apparatus.
Priorities and Challenges Ahead
As she assumes her new role, Bélanger plans to make health care more accessible a priority. She stated, “There is a firm commitment on both sides to make care and services accessible to the Quebec population. This will be my priority in the coming hours and days.” People of good will should keep a sharp eye on what she does and doesn’t do. As chief lead on Bill 2’s implementation, after several delays now on track for full completion by the end of this February,
Legault admitted that many should have expected that Bélanger would want to embark on deep reforms immediately. On health care, he believes, she’ll manage it smartly and nonchalantly. What’s next It is this approach that will hopefully carry her as she works to implement that approach during what will surely be a contentious election.
Moreover, Bélanger’s proactive approach in beginning negotiations with medical federations shows her readiness to create better health services for citizens. Christian Dubé remarked on his efforts during his tenure, stating, “With the help of France-Élaine Duranceau, I took back control of the negotiations with the two medical federations so that we could focus on the important changes that needed to be made to improve services for citizens.”
Acknowledging Past Contributions
Bélanger is now at the helm of the health ministry. The truth is, there is much to commend Vice-Premier Christian Dubé for in his first year in office. Premier Legault highlighted this sentiment, saying, “Despite the circumstances of his departure, we mustn’t overlook all the positive changes he implemented as minister of health.” Legault was pleased that Dubé was able to take accountability for some mistakes that were made under his watch. This is something the premier considered praiseworthy in its own right.
With that transition comes a new leader. It undeniably paves the way for the new, progressive voices of change in Quebec’s health policies. As Bélanger prepares to navigate this new journey, she does so with the hopes and expectations of both her fellow colleagues and her constituents on her shoulders.
