FMOQ says it’s ‘impossible to continue mediation,’ will start boycott of teaching med students

Quebec family doctors have joined the province's medical specialists and stopped teaching medical students as labour dispute continues.

The union representing family doctors in Quebec says negotiations with the provincial government have broken down and that it will begin pressure tactics in its efforts to reach a deal.

The Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) announced Wednesday that it will begin its boycott of teaching medical students on Thursday, after previously postponing the boycott.

In a statement on its website, the federation said it participated in the mediation process with openness and presented “constructive, balanced proposals” to improve patient care but says now it has become “impossible to continue mediation.”

“Unfortunately, after several discussions, it is clear that the government has shown no flexibility. It remains stuck in its positions, refuses to guarantee the resources promised to support family physicians working in GMFs [groupe de médecine de famille], and ultimately persists in imposing its vision: Bill 106 or nothing,” FMOQ CEO Marc André Amyot said in the statement.

At the heart of the negotiations is the union’s opposition to Quebec’s Bill 106, which would tie physicians’ salaries to their performance.

The union is calling for the dispute to go to independent arbitration to break the impasse, noting Ontario has done so.

“In the meantime, and in accordance with the mandate you gave us, the Federation announces the immediate resumption of the escalation of pressure tactics,” Amyot said.

“The suspension of teaching for medical students will therefore come into effect tomorrow morning, for all family doctors able to end it as soon as possible.”

The boycott was approved by members, who voted 91 per cent in favour of the measure, the FMOQ said.

Ministers react

Two ministers issued a joint statement on X reacting to the union’s announcement. Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau and Health Minister Christian Dubé said they were “disappointed” with the decision.

“We had put commitments for GMFs on the table. We are still open to negotiation. Our goal remains that all Quebecers be cared for by a family doctor or a referral center,” the ministers said.