More than 260 doctors from Quebec have applied to work in Ontario following the passage of a controversial bill that reforms physician compensation. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) reported a significant increase in applications since October 23, with 263 Quebec doctors seeking licenses as of Monday. This is a stark contrast to the 19 applications received from June 1 to October 22 of this year.

The surge in applications comes after Quebec's Bill 2 was passed on October 25, with a vote of 63 to 27. The legislation, which is set to take effect in the new year, links doctors' pay to performance targets based on the number of patients they treat, particularly vulnerable populations. It also imposes hefty fines of up to $500,000 per day on doctors who engage in “concerted action” against government policies.

According to the CPSO, over half of the applicants are family physicians, while others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, radiology, and anesthesiology. However, the CPSO noted that not all applications will be approved, as some may be withdrawn or canceled.

The recent changes have sparked protests among Quebec's medical community. Thousands of doctors and medical students gathered at Montreal's Bell Centre to voice their opposition to Bill 2. Dr. Vincent Oliva, president of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), described the protest as historic, stating, "It’s just the beginning of a movement in which we will say loud and strong: Bill 2 is a disaster."

Premier François Legault defended the legislation, stating that it aims to improve healthcare access for Quebecers, particularly the 1.5 million residents without a family doctor. He expressed disappointment over the protests, suggesting that doctors should engage in negotiations rather than rallying. "We adopted Bill 2 with the objective of giving more services to Quebecers," Legault said.

Doctors, however, argue that the new law will negatively impact the healthcare system and reduce the time they can spend with patients. They contend that the law's steep fines are a means to cut the province's healthcare budget. In response, Legault insisted that there would be no reduction in the health budget, emphasizing the need for better access to care.

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé acknowledged the concerns of physicians regarding the changes to their practices and compensation. He stated, "Quebec needs all of its doctors."

The Ontario Medical Association expressed support for their Quebec counterparts, emphasizing the importance of physician mobility without compromising patient access or the stability of Ontario's healthcare system.

As the situation unfolds, many Quebec doctors are considering their options, with some already exploring opportunities in Ontario. Dr. Trevor Hennessey, chief of anesthesiology at the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre in Outaouais, mentioned he is contemplating a move but has not made a final decision. He criticized the new law, stating, "The resources to obtain those necessities are fully under the control of the government."

The CPSO continues to process applications from Quebec doctors, as the implications of Bill 2 resonate throughout the healthcare community in both provinces.