Health minister offers compromise as Quebec doctors ramp up pressure tactics

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé responds to the opposition during question period at the Quebec National Assembly on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot)

Health Minister Christian Dubé is softening his stance in difficult negotiations with Quebec doctors, offering to reduce the share of their pay tied to performance targets from 25 per cent to 15 per cent.

The proposal, first reported Wednesday by Radio-Canada, was confirmed by The Canadian Press.

“Over the summer I met with many doctors, not just the federations. And what I can tell you today is that we will remain very firm on our principles. But we’ve already made some progress,” Dubé said Wednesday as he arrived at the National Assembly.

In May, the Legault government tabled Bill 106, which would force doctors to take on more patients by linking part of their pay to collective performance.

Dubé has repeatedly insisted he won’t withdraw the legislation but has said he is open to amendments.

The bill has sparked anger among doctors, who have launched pressure tactics.

On Tuesday, the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) urged members to stop taking part in medico-administrative activities that don’t directly affect patients.

Last week, the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) announced specialists would stop teaching undergraduate medical students for now, though they will continue to teach residents.

The FMOQ also filed a court action Friday, asking Quebec Superior Court to declare that the government failed in its duty to bargain in good faith during negotiations on the renewal of its agreement with general practitioners.

— With files from Katrine Desautels

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 17, 2024.