Lionel Carmant has announced his departure from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, stepping down as the social services minister to become an Independent. This decision, described as challenging and emotional, was revealed during a joint press conference with Premier François Legault on Thursday morning. Carmant cited recent difficulties that prompted him to reassess his priorities, leading him to prioritize his family.
Premier Legault subsequently appointed Sonia Bélanger, the housing minister, to assume the role of social services minister, also taking on responsibilities for seniors. Caroline Proulx, who formerly oversaw seniors, will now manage the housing portfolio.
Carmant’s resignation coincided with doctors in Quebec initiating a legal challenge against Bill 2, a special law imposing a salary structure on doctors. The federation representing medical specialists in Quebec lodged a legal challenge, criticizing the law as draconian and infringing on charter rights. The federation seeks to suspend the legislation’s most burdensome aspects immediately until a full legal argument can be presented.
In response to Health Minister Christian Dubé’s law, numerous doctors are contemplating leaving Quebec’s public health system, with some already applying for practice licenses in other provinces. Notably, Carmant’s daughter, a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, expressed in a published letter that she might relocate to another Canadian province if not granted the freedom to practice as desired.
During a press briefing, Carmant emphasized that his decision was not a renunciation but a choice between responsibilities, highlighting the importance of political engagement with balance and integrity. He refrained from directly addressing his daughter’s letter during the conference.
Opposition figures acknowledged Carmant’s decision, with Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière describing him as an excellent minister and expressing understanding for his stance. The Quebec Liberal Party’s health critic, Marc Tanguay, viewed Carmant’s daughter’s letter as a significant statement directed at Premier Legault, indicating a broader sentiment within the healthcare sector.
Québec Solidaire MNA Manon Massé lamented Carmant’s departure, characterizing him as an outstanding minister and expressing concern over the government’s future direction. Carmant, a former pediatric neurologist at CHU Sainte-Justine, served as the junior minister for health and social services from 2018 to 2022 after his election as the member for Taillon in 2018.
In his parting address, Carmant acknowledged the challenge of leaving behind projects he deeply cared about, while Premier Legault expressed gratitude for Carmant’s contributions.