Why are Quebec doctors leaving their province?

Quebec's new Bill 2 legislation, which imposes fines and performance targets on doctors, has led many physicians to seek opportunities outside the province, with over 260 applying to work in Ontario by mid-November 2025.

Where are the Quebec doctors going?

Many Quebec doctors are looking to practice in northern Ontario towns like Timmins and Hearst, which have large francophone populations and are actively recruiting these physicians.

How is the city of Timmins responding to the influx of Quebec doctors?

Timmins, which needs over 30 additional physicians to meet current needs, has already heard from more than a dozen Quebec doctors inquiring about opportunities in the city. The city's French-language designation and large francophone population make it an attractive destination for these doctors.

Home / Health / Quebec Doctors Flee Province Amid New Legislation, Flock to Northern Ontario

Quebec Doctors Flee Province Amid New Legislation, Flock to Northern Ontario

15 Nov

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Summary

Quebec doctors seeking locum work in northern Ontario
New Quebec legislation imposes fines, performance targets on doctors
Over 260 Quebec physicians applied to work in Ontario by mid-November

In the weeks leading up to November 15, 2025, a significant number of Quebec doctors have been seeking opportunities to practice medicine in northern Ontario. This exodus from Quebec has been driven by the passing of Bill 2, a new piece of legislation that will take effect in the new year and link physician compensation to performance targets related to the number of patients on their rosters.

The legislation also imposes fines of up to $500,000 per day on doctors who take "concerted action" to challenge the government's policies. This has led many Quebec physicians to view the changes as "very short-sighted," according to Dr. Doug Arnold, a family physician in Timmins, Ontario.

Physician recruiters in northern Ontario towns like Timmins and Hearst have already seen a surge of interest from Quebec doctors, with over 260 applying to work in Ontario by mid-November. The city of Timmins, in particular, is seen as an attractive destination due to its large francophone population, with around half the residents speaking French as their primary language.