LETTER

Quebec must not back down with doctors

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is reacting to news reports indicating the Quebec government is backing down on its pledge to save $1 billion per year through a newly negotiated remuneration framework for specialist doctors.

Quebeckers have given this government a very clear mandate: lower specialist doctors’ pay from ‘humongous’ to merely ‘generous’.  All we’re asking the government is simple: keep your word.

During the last election campaign, the Coalition avenir Québec stated Quebec’s specialist doctors were making 21.9% too much compared to their Ontario colleagues. The CAQ claims that Quebec specialist doctors were making 9.9% more than their Ontario colleagues, while living in a province with a 12% lower cost of living.

Today, the government’s demands have changed and don’t account for the difference in the cost of living anymore. From a campaign promise of $1 billion per year in savings, the government’s position is now down to $400 million to $650 million per year.

Renaud Brossard, 

Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Montreal