The Decibel Why Quebec doctors are threatening to leave the province
Oct 30, 2025
In this discussion, health reporter André Picard, an expert on Canadian health policy, unpacks the recently passed Bill 2 in Quebec. He explains how the legislation imposes performance targets on doctors, with hefty penalties for underperformance, stirring unrest among physicians. André highlights the systemic issues causing a primary-care gap and the implications for patient care. He warns that the bill could trigger a mass exodus of doctors, raising ethical dilemmas about advocacy versus patient care.
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Collective Targets With Financial Penalties
- Bill 2 imposes collective targets and allows up to 15% pay clawbacks if targets are missed.
- The legislation mixes payment reform with punitive measures, which fuels the controversy.
Legault's Past Fight Shapes Today's Policy
- André Picard recounts François Legault's 2003 clash with doctors that cost him his job and fuels his current hard line.
- Picard frames Bill 2 partly as the premier's long-awaited revenge against physicians.
Big Variation In Doctor Work Patterns
- Quebec research shows wide variation in physician work patterns, with about 25% working less than 10 months a year and another 25% taking almost no time off.
- The government uses these findings to justify accountability measures, but doctors argue individual circumstances matter.