A chorus of voices is expressing concern over legislation that would restructure health services in Quebec by switching control of many institutions over to government bureaucrats.

The Couillard Liberals' Bill 10 would undermine local control of stakeholders in health institutions, say the critics.

“These institutions were built by the community and supported by the community. People volunteer and have donated hundreds of millions of dollars over the years,” lawyer Eric Maldoff told CTV Montreal.

“The buildings will remain and be referred to as installations but the boards, chairs, executives are appointed by the minister, the new centre integree is simply an extension of the minister of health.”

Some see the restructuring as an appropriation of resources, for example a $5 million MRI machine purchased for the Montreal Children’s Hospital by private donation will fall under the control of government rather than the hospital itself.

Maldoff notes that such an arrangement will make it next-to-impossible to continue to raise donations.

“People have to know that when they give money it's going to be used by that institution for something they care about. Giving money and giving charity to government is not something people would normally do,” said Maldoff.

A coalition of 24 English language institutions has denounced the proposed legislation, with former Liberal MNA Clifford Lincoln pleading with Premier Philippe Couillard to reconsider the move.

The changes would also affect Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, which President Lesley Hill fears could turn out badly.

“If something happens to a child, there’s somebody accountable. In a bigger bureaucratic system where the decision making is further away from the action, there might be a risk of becoming risk averse and being risk averse is a dangerous thing in youth protection,” said Batshaw President Lesley Hill.