October 25, 2025
We all have reason to be angry.
Unsurprisingly, last night the CAQ government passed what is probably one of the worst special laws in recent history (Bill 2). This law unilaterally sets the working conditions of Quebec doctors for at least the next three years. It imposes conditions even worse than those already provided for in Bill 106, which we vigorously denounced during the parliamentary committees this spring, alongside other medical federations.
The deleterious effects of this law will be multiple. Through its punitive and coercive approach, the law will directly impact the mobilization and commitment of the medical profession within the network. Its measures will have perverse effects on the quality and accessibility of care, the teaching of learners, and research. Not to mention the terrible consequences on the attractiveness of the profession, combined with the other laws adopted by the CAQ over the past two years. Although, we had highlighted these significant dangers on more than one occasion to this government, which has nevertheless persisted in its obstinacy.
This law must and will be challenged in court. We cannot allow this constant bad faith, in what were clearly nothing more than sham negotiations intended to create a conflict with the FMOQ and the FMSQ for electoral reasons. This government has chosen contempt for those it praised until recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it is instead busy sacrificing our profession for short-term political gain. It is simply pathetic.
Over the past few days and since Friday, we have heard your anger, your frustration, and your concerns about the future of our network and our patients. Many of you have expressed your desire to mobilize and commit to turning the tide. To this end, the Federation's Board of Directors will meet in the coming days to discuss the next steps in our opposition to this law. Let us also remember that, as resident doctors, we have an employee status in the healthcare network, which is very different from that of staff physicians, and which is subject to strict rules and procedures. We must absolutely take this status, with its advantages and constraints, into account in our decision-making, our directions and pressure tactics.
Just as we have done since the beginning of the CAQ's crusade against doctors, with Bill 83 and then Bill 106, we will continue to collaborate closely with our colleagues at the FMOQ and the FMSQ. First, to analyze in detail the content of the special law, its anticipated effects and the best ways to counter them, but above all to legally challenge this odious piece of legislation. It will be all the more important for us all to continue working together within the medical community. The government has never succeeded in breaking our solidarity in recent months, and it is not for lack of trying.
There is less than a year left for this populist government, which is playing tough with doctors in the hope of rising in the polls. In the longer term, let's hope that common sense will prevail and that our profession will be treated with more respect, as we all deserve. Until then, the FMRQ will continue to defend your rights, both current and future, but also to restore the nobility of the vocation you have chosen, which absolutely does not deserve the despicable treatment it has received from the Quebec government in recent months and years.
We will, of course, keep you informed of developments. Today is a dark day, but we must all rise together, students, residents, and practicing physicians, to try to rebuild the future of our profession. We cannot remain at the mercy of a politically desperate government.
In the meantime, if you believe that the events of recent weeks and days require you to seek help, even if only to vent your legitimate anger, do not hesitate to use the resources available to you at the FRMQ, including the EAP program offered by Beneva or by contacting the PAMQ directly at 514-397-0888 (or 1 800 387-4166).
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