Quebec tables special bill to impose new compensation scheme on doctors

Advertisement

Advertise with us

QUÉBEC - Quebec's government has tabled special legislation to impose a new compensation scheme for doctors and put an end to their pressure tactics. 

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$0 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.75/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

QUÉBEC – Quebec’s government has tabled special legislation to impose a new compensation scheme for doctors and put an end to their pressure tactics. 

The new bill says doctors who take “concerted action” to boycott the government’s policies could face fines of up to $20,000 per day, while their federations could be fined up to $500,000 per day.

The legislature is holding a special session at the request of Premier François Legault to rush through the bill.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault, left, speaks with Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube before question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025  THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Quebec Premier Francois Legault, left, speaks with Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube before question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

It would link part of doctors’ compensation to performance targets. 

Federations representing family doctors and medical specialists have used pressure tactics this fall to oppose the new payment system, including refusing to teach medical students. 

Opposition parties are criticizing the government for invoking closure to force through the special bill, saying it would have been better to continue negotiations with doctors. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2025.

Report Error Submit a Tip