Quebec's government is facing significant backlash over its recent attempt to change the remuneration system for doctors. The Legault administration aimed to implement a performance-based pay structure, a move that previous governments had struggled to achieve. However, the quick passage of Bill 2, which ended negotiations with doctors and imposed the new pay system, has sparked public discontent.

A recent Léger poll revealed that 47% of respondents oppose the changes introduced by Bill 2, while only 27% support them. This shift in public opinion has led to a decline in popularity for the government and its health minister, Christian Dubé. The government’s strategy, which seemed initially straightforward, has backfired as many Quebecers view the measures as excessive.

The complexity of Bill 2, a 120-page document that the National Assembly had only two days to review, has contributed to the confusion. Minister Dubé struggled to clarify the bill's contents, which included surveillance mechanisms and penalties for doctors who might resist the new system by retiring early or relocating.

Critics argue that the government's approach reflects a broader trend of authoritarianism. Premier François Legault, who has a background in business, has been accused of favoring aggressive tactics to regain popularity. This has been evident in previous legislation, such as Bills 21 and 96, which imposed restrictions on religious symbols and strengthened the French language, respectively. The government also proposed Bill 1, which would limit the ability of public organizations to challenge provincial laws in court, and Bill 3, aimed at restricting union participation in public discourse.

The CAQ's efforts to attract nationalist conservative voters have not yielded the desired results. The party's approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low of 22%. In response to the government's actions, the Quebec Bar Association issued a statement condemning measures that could undermine the rule of law. The Bar expressed concern about the potential erosion of civil liberties and the rise of authoritarianism globally.

Despite criticism, some commentators have accused the Bar of engaging in political activism. However, the Bar's mission is to uphold the rule of law, and its stance reflects a growing concern among various groups about the government's direction. Advocates for civil liberties hope that increased public discourse will lead to significant amendments or the abandonment of the controversial bills. Silence, they warn, only empowers authoritarianism.