Negotiations between family doctors and the Quebec government have reached an impasse. The Quebec Federation of General Practitioners (FMOQ) has announced the failure of mediation efforts. This decision follows a meeting where the FMOQ aimed to restart negotiations paused for a week. Members will boycott medical education starting Thursday.
Background on Mediation Failure
The FMOQ claims it enhanced its proposals with solutions that could provide more appointments than the government’s current offerings. However, the government has maintained its stance and has not committed to providing the promised resources for family doctors in Family Medicine Groups (GMF).
Government’s Stubborn Approach
According to the FMOQ, “Quebec clings to a coercive approach: Bill 106 or nothing.” Faced with the government’s rigidity, the FMOQ’s members decided to prevent the teaching of medical students beginning this Thursday. This action follows the specialists’ boycott that started on September 15.
Impact on Medical Education
- The four medical schools in Quebec are raising concerns.
- If the specialists’ boycott continues past October 20, half of the 1,000 final-year students may miss residency opportunities on July 1.
Call for Arbitration
The FMOQ is seeking arbitration to resolve the ongoing dispute. The federation sent a letter to Labor Minister Jean Boulet last week requesting arbitration. FMOQ spokesperson Stéphane Gosselin emphasized the need for the government to apply the same approach it suggested for other similar situations.
Government’s Legislative Measures
The Ministry of Health, led by Minister Christian Dubé, has refrained from commenting. The government’s Bill 106 ties a portion of physicians’ remuneration to performance metrics, a move opposed by medical federations.
