What is Law 2?

Version française

 

Quebec government's Bill 106, introduced in May 2025, became a special law passed under gag* on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Law 2 now makes every doctor responsible for improving access to care — yet provides no real means to achieve that goal. On top of that, it curtails several fundamental freedoms of physicians, rights that are guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

*Gag order: A law passed under a gag order means that the government is using an exceptional parliamentary procedure to limit the time for debate in the National Assembly, and above all, to force the rapid adoption of a bill.

Here’s what the law proposes in concrete terms:

All Quebecers would be automatically registered with a clinic (GMF, CLSC, etc.) — even if physicians are already at full capacity.

A "vulnerability code" would be assigned to every person by government administrators, based solely on administrative data.

A volume-based approach, where the number of appointments matters more than the quality of care.

A heavier administrative burden, leaving doctors even less time for their patients.

A 25% cut to doctors’ base pay — only recoverable if their entire group meets government-imposed targets, regardless of individual performance.

Moving to another region could mean losing your place with your clinic — and your doctor — even if you’ve been followed there for years.

All of this, without accounting for the current shortage of over 2,000 family doctors — a gap that’s only growing, with 22% of them over age 60 and nearing retirement. It also ignores the shortage of other health professionals and the many structural challenges already burdening the system.

What are the possible consequences
for you and your health?

Law 2 could have a direct impact on your access to care:

Appointments could become harder to get — especially for people considered "healthy" or with minor concerns.

A threat to quality of care. According to the Collège des médecins du Québec, an approach based on numerical performance pushes doctors to prioritize quantity over quality - which can be dangerous if the doctor doesn't have the time to listen or ask the right questions.

Shorter, less personalized consultations, to meet government-imposed volume quotas.

Access could shrink even more, as many family doctors — exhausted or disheartened by repeated attacks — may choose to leave the profession or retire early. Some family doctors and specialists have started speaking out on the Facebook page Spotted : Soigner au Québec (not affiliated with the FMOQ).

 

SUMMARY
Far from improving access, this bill could weaken primary care in Quebec — putting the health of Quebecers at risk.

 

These changes would directly affect how you receive care, every day.

What can I do as a citizen/patient?

You can act now to make your voice heard!

Write to your MNA (Member of National Assembly) and make your case

Share your concerns with your MNA. Your MNA is there to represent you — let them know this law could jeopardize your access to care and the quality of your medical follow-up. Express your concerns.

Who is my MNA?

File a complaint with the Québec Protecteur du citoyen (Ombudsman)

If you believe this law threatens your rights as a patient, you can file a complaint with the Québec Ombudsman (Protecteur du citoyen).

Link to file a complaint

By telephone :
418 643-2688
Toll Free : 1 800 463-5070

These simple actions take only a few minutes —
but they can make a real difference for you and your health.