Thousands pack Bell Centre to protest Quebec law changing doctors’ pay

A crowd of doctors, medical students, and supporters filled Montreal’s Bell Centre on Sunday, calling on the Quebec government to suspend Bill 2, the new law that links a portion of physicians’ pay to performance targets. The legislation was pushed through the National Assembly at the end of last month after the government invoked closure, ending debate. Bill 2 allows for financial penalties against doctors who take collective action to oppose the changes. Medical groups responded immediately with legal challenges, including federations representing general practitioners, specialists, residents, and medical students. Organizers say about 12,500 tickets were distributed for the rally.

Dr. Marc-André Amyot, president of the province’s federation of general practitioners, said he has never seen such a large mobilization, nor a law he believes threatens patient care to this degree. He and others argue that tying pay to volume encourages rushing patients, potentially compromising medical decisions. Some doctors say the law is prompting colleagues to consider early retirement or relocating to other provinces. The province maintains the goal is to help the estimated 1.5 million Quebecers who do not have a family doctor by increasing access.

Medical specialists say their concern is less about performance targets and more about the lack of staffing and resources needed to meet them. They insist they will not return to negotiations unless Bill 2 is suspended entirely. The Legault government has recently delayed parts of the law to encourage talks, but medical federations say that is not enough. The legislation has also caused tension within the governing Coalition Avenir Québec, contributing to one minister leaving the party caucus.
Quebec’s health ministry says it understands doctors’ concerns and remains focused on improving access to care across the province.