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Thousands Rally at Montreal’s Bell Centre Against Quebec’s Bill 2 on Doctor Pay

The protest targets a law that links 10% of physician remuneration to performance benchmarks, authorizing steep fines for concerted boycotts.

Overview

  • Organizers from four medical federations said more than 12,500 people attended the Montreal rally, with buses bringing participants from across the province.
  • Health Minister Christian Dubé has suspended two provisions of Bill 2 in response to discontent, but the legislation remains in effect.
  • The law ties part of doctors’ pay to appointment and surgery volumes and allows fines up to $20,000 per day for coordinated actions to oppose it.
  • Medical federations say they are preparing court challenges and warn the policy risks driving physicians out of Quebec and undermining care quality.
  • Political fallout has struck Premier François Legault’s CAQ, with minister Lionel Carmant leaving the caucus and legislator Isabelle Poulet expelled after criticizing the law.