Nearly 300 Quebec doctors apply to get licence in Ontario in less than 1 month: CPSO

Bill 2, a new Quebec law that some call 'Draconian,' has caused hundreds of doctors to apply to work in Ontario and New Brunswick. Judy Trinh reports.

Nearly 300 doctors from Quebec have applied to get a licence to work in Ontario in less than one month’s time amid a law passed by François Legault’s government that will overhaul how physicians are compensated next year.

According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), since Oct. 23, it has received 285 applications from Quebec doctors as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

That’s compared to the 19 applications submitted to the college from June to Oct. 22.

The college noted that the applications are seeking a “Restricted or an Independent Practice” certificate.

“Individual physicians may make personal decisions to relocate for various reasons, and our data does not disclose reasons for seeking licensure to practice in Ontario. It also does not reflect whether a newly licensed physician will practice or intends to practice in Ontario,” CPSO said in a statement to CTV News.

It is unclear how many of the applications have been approved so far.

Meanwhile, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (CPSNB) says it has received more than 80 applications from Quebec doctors since Oct. 1.

“Our College welcomes applications from physicians who meet all licensing requirements, and we believe strongly that physicians interested in practicing in New Brunswick will find the lifestyle they are seeking and supportive colleagues,” CPSNB said in a statement.

• What’s in Quebec’s controversial doctors’ bill?

There have been fears in Quebec that doctors will move out of the province as a result of a new law that will change how they are paid, tying a percentage of salaries to performance targets.

Also, family doctors are paid a fixed sum per patient visit, under the new law.

• Doctors pack Bell Centre to denounce Quebec’s new health-care law

Despite the uproar from Quebec’s doctors’ federations, the Legault government defended the law, saying a change is necessary to improve care, in a province where two million people lack access to primary care.

Ontario attracting docs around the world, not just Quebec, Ford says

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has taken advantage of the backlash, inviting Quebec doctors to apply to work in the province, which his counterpart was not happy with.

Legault previously called Ford’s move “unacceptable” and a “clear lack of judgement.”

During a news conference on Wednesday, Ford was asked about Quebec doctors coming to the province, which has angered Quebecers.

“What I say is the same as I say in Ontario: we don’t put a gun to anyone’s head. We don’t handcuff any of our doctors to stay in Ontario,” Ford said.

“If you treat your doctors well and you respect them, they’re going to stay, and they’re going to have a thriving practice.”

Ford clarified that while he is not targeting Quebec doctors, he’ll return their call if they phone him. Last month, the Ontario premier urged doctors to call his cellphone number.

• ‘Call 1-800-DOUG-FORD’: Ontario premier rolling out red carpet for fed-up Quebec doctors

He said Ontario is trying to attract doctors around the country and around world.

“They know it’s a great place to, number one, live, raise a family, and start their business because the doctors’ offices are their personal businesses, so we welcome everyone,” Ford said.

The Ontario government has pledged to connect all Ontario residents with a family doctor or primary care team by 2029.

With files from CTV National News senior correspondent Judy Trinh and Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin and CTV Montreal