Nearly 1 million Quebecers could return to waiting list for doctor if agreement isn't reached
There are growing concerns that hundreds of thousands of Quebecers could end up back on the long wait list for a family doctor.
An agreement between the province and the Quebec Federation of General Practitioners gives patients without a family doctor access to primary care services, but it expires at the end of May.
Health Minister Christian Dubé was on the defensive Thursday about the matter, insisting the GAP, the front-line portal that gives patients without a family doctor access to primary care, is a permanent measure.
The deal includes an annual premium of $120 for each patient enrolled through the portal.
Dubé said he's prepared to renegotiate with the Quebec Federation of General Practitioners, but there's no guarantee they'll reach a deal by the deadline.
"He's basically put all of his eggs into one basket and left this negotiation to the last second," said Liberal health critic André Fortin.
Fortin said since 2022, nearly 1 million Quebecers signed up through the GAP for a spot in a Group Family Medicine (GMF) clinic.
So far it's unclear if those patients will still have access as of June.
"They thought this was forever. They didn't think it was, 'Oh, I'll have access for a year and if the health minister's not able to renegotiate this with the family physicians, then I'll go back on the waitlist.' That's not the deal that was made to them," said Fortin.
Dubé said he wants to determine if the system improves access to care, adding there won't be more money if there isn't more access.
"The doctors are very professional, and I think they will respect that deal," he said.
The doctors' federation, however, isn't sure, saying ending the $120 premium could risk a reduction in access to care.
"We won't have all the manpower. We'll have to decide what we do with the staff that we hired in one month -- if we continue to hire them, if we don't have the money anymore," explained FMOQ vice-president Dr. Guillaume Charbonneau.
In the meantime, the federation said affected GPs are unsure whether they should continue to open appointments beyond June.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.