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Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant Leaves CAQ Caucus to Sit as Independent

The move intensifies pressure on Legault’s government over Bill 2.

Overview

  • Carmant announced his departure Thursday in Quebec City alongside Premier François Legault, calling the decision difficult and saying he is choosing family.
  • Bill 2 links 10% of physicians’ pay to performance benchmarks and authorizes fines of up to $20,000 per day for certain concerted actions.
  • Doctors began public protests after the law passed last week, and the federation of medical specialists filed a legal challenge in Quebec Superior Court.
  • Carmant cited tensions at home; his daughter, a maternal‑fetal medicine specialist, warned in an open letter she may leave the province if she cannot practise freely.
  • Legault reshuffled cabinet, naming Sonia Bélanger to seniors and social services and moving Caroline Proulx to housing, as some physicians apply to work in other provinces.