Quebec general practitioners are intensifying their efforts to push the government to withdraw Health Minister Christian Dubé’s Bill 106, which seeks to link a portion of doctors’ pay to performance standards. Family doctors in Quebec will halt medical student teaching temporarily starting on October 1, as revealed by Radio-Canada. This decision, along with previously announced measures, was supported by 91% of the 2,811 doctors who participated in an electronic vote held during a webinar organized by the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ).
The FMOQ had threatened to stop teaching if a recent meeting with senior government officials did not yield positive outcomes, which it did not. Following through with their actions, the FMOQ is following the lead of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), which has already suspended teaching activities since September 15. Both federations argue that Bill 106 hinders negotiations for renewing agreements governing members’ working conditions in the public system, which expired on March 31, 2023.
The FMOQ and FMSQ are supported by the Fédération médicale étudiante du Québec and the Fédération des médecins résidents du Québec, despite the potential disruption to students’ academic progress. These organizations jointly called on Minister Dubé to reconsider Bill 106, which proposes linking part of physicians’ compensation to performance targets – a measure also criticized by the Quebec College of Physicians.
In response, the College reminded the federations to suspend pressure tactics to maintain the social contract, emphasizing the ethical boundaries. However, this stance may have repercussions, as around 80 doctors have requested a special assembly to censure or remove the College’s president, Dr. Mauril Gaudreault.
A demonstration against Bill 106 was held at McGill University, with medical students showing solidarity with protesting doctors. They believe the doctors are advocating for their future work environment and support their cause. Minister Dubé expressed openness to adjustments in the bill, proposing a reduction in the percentage of physician compensation linked to targets. He emphasized the need for medical associations to engage in negotiations, highlighting the impact of the ongoing dispute on patient care and future healthcare professionals.
