The Quebec government is making changes to Bill 2 by suspending two measures in an effort to encourage doctors’ federations, who are upset with the special legislation, to engage in discussions. While adjustments to how doctors are compensated are confirmed, Premier François Legault expressed a desire to open dialogue with the two federations. Health Minister Christian Dubé and Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau announced the temporary halt of certain aspects of the law as the federations representing Quebec’s general practitioners, medical specialists, and medical students initiate legal challenges against Bill 2.
The Quebec government will maintain the current premium for specialized doctors when a family doctor refers a patient to them and will continue paying the 30% of office expenses to doctors who are part of a family medicine group (FMG). These measures were initially set to be altered under the new law. Bill 2, enforced by the CAQ through closure, introduces fines of up to $500,000 per day for physician groups engaging in “concerted action” against government policies.
The Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) stated via social media that they will not resume discussions with the Coalition Avenir Québec government unless the entire Bill 2 is put on hold. The federation expressed concerns about the law’s performance indicators and patient vulnerability assessment system, which they believe could lead to rushed medical practices. They also highlighted issues regarding access to human resources that need to be addressed before returning to negotiations.