In a dramatic escalation of Quebec’s ongoing standoff with physicians, Premier François Legault’s government has tabled special legislation that would impose a new compensation system on doctors and effectively end their coordinated protest actions.
The bill, introduced during an emergency session of the National Assembly on Thursday, gives the province sweeping powers to enforce compliance. It proposes daily fines of up to $20,000 for individual doctors who engage in “concerted action” to defy government policies, and up to $500,000 per day for their professional federations.
Health Minister Christian Dubé defended the legislation, saying the new pay structure will link part of doctors’ compensation to measurable performance targets, making the system more accountable and efficient.
The move comes after weeks of mounting tension between the government and doctors’ groups, including family physicians and medical specialists, who have used various pressure tactics this fall to oppose the new payment model — notably, a boycott of medical student training.
Opposition parties sharply criticized the Legault government for invoking closure to fast-track the bill through the legislature, arguing that the province should have continued negotiations instead of resorting to what they called a heavy-handed approach.
Despite the backlash, the Legault government appears determined to press ahead, framing the legislation as essential to ensuring patient care continuity and fairness in Quebec’s strained healthcare system.