In Québec, a significant shift is occurring within the healthcare sector as many family physicians prepare to leave the province. A family doctor, aged 40, who practices in both Côte-Nord and Québec City, has announced plans to move to New Brunswick by spring 2024. This physician has voiced a strong stance: “It’s final, I am not staying here.”
Mass Exodus of Physicians
The doctor, who remains anonymous due to fears of repercussions, cites the government’s new legislation as the catalyst for her decision. This law, initiated by Premier François Legault, ties part of physicians’ remuneration to performance indicators. It imposes financial penalties and administrative sanctions on those who disengage from the public healthcare system. Consequently, this has sparked anger among many healthcare providers in Québec.
Statistics of Departures
- Since October 1, 2023, 64 physicians have applied for practice permits in Ontario.
- 40 have sought permits in New Brunswick.
The healthcare professional expressed her frustrations, highlighting the challenges posed by the new performance targets and potential sanctions. “This is not a decision made lightly. I am leaving a province I love, where my family lives,” she stated. Currently, her spouse will remain in Québec as she balances work and family life, planning to commute approximately six hours to her new job.
Factors Behind the Decision
Several issues motivated her exit, including overwhelming performance targets and deteriorating conditions within the healthcare system. The physician notes that these targets are unachievable given the current state of the network. Her move had been anticipated since May when Minister of Health Christian Dubé introduced Bill 106, further accelerating her decision.
Surge in Permit Applications
The New Brunswick College of Physicians and Surgeons has seen a tenfold increase in applications compared to previous months, receiving daily requests from doctors in Québec. They are welcoming these new applications:
- In August and September 2023, only 3 to 4 requests were received.
- In October, the volume surged to 40 applications.
In Ontario, the College has also received 64 new permit applications, with 60 coming in after October 23.
Impact on Mental Health
The healthcare community is experiencing unprecedented distress. The Program for the Assistance of Physicians in Québec (PAMQ) reports a doubling of calls since the adoption of Bill 2, indicating a significant rise in anxiety among practitioners. “We’re witnessing a level of distress we have never seen in our 35 years of operation,” shared Dr. Sandra Roman, co-director of PAMQ.
Response from Healthcare Authorities
The Federation of General Practitioners of Québec (FMOQ) has noted that numerous physicians have indicated their intent to leave the public system. They are troubled by the implications of the new law and its effects on their professional practice. Meanwhile, discussions of collective action against the law are intensifying, including a planned protest event on November 9 at the Bell Centre.
Call for Calm and Understanding
In response, health authorities, including Geneviève Biron of Santé Québec, are urging doctors to maintain calm to ensure network stability while continuing to analyze the impact of Bill 2. The discussions continue as the healthcare workforce grapples with significant adjustments in their professional landscape.
