Quebec Doctors Flee to Ontario Amid Controversial Pay Reform

As of 2025-11-11, a significant number of Quebec doctors are seeking to work in Ontario following the passage of a controversial bill in Quebec that reforms doctors' pay. According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), over 250 Quebec doctors have applied to be licensed in Ontario since October 23rd, 2025.

The surge in applications is a direct result of Quebec's Bill 2, which is set to take effect in the new year. The new law links doctors' compensation to performance targets related to the number of patients they care for. It also imposes hefty fines of up to $500,000 per day on doctors who take "concerted action" to challenge the government's policies.

Many Quebec doctors, including Dr. Trevor Hennessey, have cited the lack of control over essential resources like emergency room stretchers, triage nurses, and medical technicians as a major reason for their decision to leave the province. Hennessey, who recently resigned from his position, said the "potential gag order effects" of the law are pushing doctors to Ontario, despite similar staffing and resource challenges in the neighboring province.

The CPSO has confirmed that more than half of the 263 applicants are family physicians, while the rest practice across various specialties. While 35 have already been approved for certificates, the CPSO noted that not all applications will be granted, as some may be withdrawn or cancelled.

The exodus of Quebec doctors to Ontario has raised concerns about the stability of Quebec's healthcare system, with the provincial government stating that they have reached out to doctors' federations to discuss the next steps. However, Premier François Legault's office has made it clear that they will not back down on the essential elements of the new law, which they believe will improve patients' access to family doctors.