Press release

FMSQ considers tax reduction not Quebecers’ choice

Montreal, May 24, 2007 – “Quebec does not have the financial means to reduce the
burden on taxpayers right now. The tax decrease, if confirmed, would not be the
route chosen by Quebecers; it would, quite simply, be a blatant attempt to attract
votes.”

So says Dr. Gaétan Barrette, President of the Federation of Medical Specialists of
Quebec (the FMSQ), commenting on the government’s proposal to reduce personal income tax in the budget to be tabled by the Minister of Finance today.
The FMSQ considers that the availability of new sums of money represents a unique opportunity for the Charest government to make the decisions required to resolve
certain issues and irritants concerning its “first priority”: healthcare.

The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec numbers nearly 8,000 members in
Quebec, representing 35 specialties. It is the sole organization recognized by government with respect to negotiating medical specialists' collective agreements, and is also consulted on all aspects of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

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