Family Doctors Set to Strike from Teaching Starting Tomorrow

Family doctors in Quebec have announced their intention to strike from teaching medical students starting tomorrow. This decision is a response to the government’s “inflexibility” during ongoing contract negotiations. The Federation of General Practitioners of Quebec (FMOQ) criticized the government for failing to provide promised resources for family medicine teams.

Concerns Raised by Family Doctors

The FMOQ expressed their disappointment through a Facebook post. They emphasized that their proposals aimed to enhance access to primary care. They believe that independent arbitration is the only fair way to resolve this stalemate and restore trust.

Current Situation of Mediation

Mediation talks between the FMOQ and the Quebec government have been paused for a week. Despite the suspension, the FMOQ clarified that the strike does not target students. Instead, it reflects the severity of the situation and the government’s disregard for proposed solutions.

Impact on Medical Students

Approximately 5,000 medical students across the province will be affected by this teaching strike. This action follows the decision of specialist doctors, who stopped teaching on September 15. The FMOQ’s boycott of teaching was initially scheduled to start on October 1 but was postponed multiple times.

Government Responses

The Quebec Premier, François Legault, urged doctors to avoid using students as leverage during negotiations. Health Minister Christian Dubé mentioned that arbitration could potentially cost an additional $1.8 billion. The two groups remain opposed to Bill 106, which links part of doctors’ pay to performance metrics.

Next Steps and Further Developments

Two weeks ago, Dubé announced a pause on the controversial bill to allow mediation efforts. As of now, the study of the bill has been postponed indefinitely. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to seek a resolution.