Press release

The FMSQ Demands Special Bill Be Withdrawn

Montreal, October 12, 2006 – Exasperated, the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (the FMSQ) demands that the government, on the one hand, withdraw the Special Bill targeting medical specialists and, on the other, make a tangible offer to rectify the disparity in remuneration. In support of its claims, the FMSQ has developed an action plan which, while it respects the law, proposes, among other things, the cessation of various non-remunerated activities and the denunciation of certain conditions of care.

Four months after the passage of this repugnant Special Bill, the temper of medical specialists is far from being restored. "As it stands, this law prohibits medical specialists from changing their practice and prevents any negotiation of their remuneration. Someone will have to explain to me how we can shorten waiting lists without changing our hours of practice and without supplementary budgets to remunerate physicians," states Dr. Louis Morazain, Vice President of the FMSQ.

The FMSQ is thus demanding the immediate withdrawal of this special legislation. It also requires the government to honour its undertakings and to make a tangible offer to correct the disparity in remuneration which prevails between medical specialists in Quebec and those in other provinces. "Words are no longer enough. If the government wants to resume the dialog, let it make some concrete gestures," says Dr. Morazain.

The FMSQ enjoins its members to respect the Special Bill. On the other hand, it also recommends that they cease performing activities which the government has failed to remunerate for the past several years (medico-administrative acts, teaching, acting as heads of departments, participating in all sorts of regional committees, etc.). It is also encouraging patients to lodge complaints when faced with the cancellation or postponement of services. Finally, the FMSQ promises the government that it will be an implacable judge of the conditions of care given to patients and that it will not hesitate to denounce any unwarranted situation and any aberration in the health system.

The Federation of Medical Specialists numbers more than 8,000 members in Quebec, representing 34 associations.

Sole agency recognized by government to negotiate collective agreements on behalf of medical specialists, the FMSQ is also consulted on every aspect of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

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