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

The display of force heightens pressure on a government that paused two provisions following backlash.

Overview

  • Organizers said more than 12,500 people filled the arena, with 17 buses bringing demonstrators from across Quebec.
  • The rally was led by four medical federations representing nearly 30,000 family doctors, specialists, residents and medical students.
  • Bill 2 links about 10% of physician pay to performance targets and authorizes fines of up to $20,000 per day for concerted pressure tactics.
  • Health Minister Christian Dubé paused two provisions this week, and Premier François Legault has proposed restarting talks.
  • Medical federations are preparing court challenges and say 550 doctors plan to leave the province, while the CAQ faces internal rifts after Lionel Carmant quit caucus and Isabelle Poulet was expelled.