Montreal Pediatric Clinic to Close Amid Controversial Salary Reform

Another pediatric clinic in Montreal, the Tiny Tots clinic, will be closing its doors, largely due to the Quebec government’s contentious doctor salary legislation. A notice posted at the clinic located in Decarie Square indicates that operations will begin phasing out in early January 2026. The sign reassures patients that the clinic is “actively working on relocation options to ensure continuity of care and to maintain the quality of service.”

The clinic is part of the ELNA Médical Group, which operates one of the largest networks of medical facilities in the Montreal area. While the majority of its clinics remain open, the closure of the Tiny Tots clinic, which serves over 20,000 patients, highlights the sector’s struggles.

Oren Sebag, a city councillor in Côte Saint-Luc and manager of ELNA clinics, explained that the medical group has been facing financial challenges for the past year. He described the situation as an “exodus” of doctors from the practice. Following a period of creditor protection, the company was sold to a group of investors last summer. Currently, the clinic operates with a reduced staff, comprising only about nine to ten doctors.

The situation has been exacerbated by the provincial government’s new physician remuneration bill, known as Bill 2. According to Sebag, this legislation “was the nail in the coffin.” Passed in October 2023, the bill links ten percent of a physician’s salary to specific performance indicators, such as the number of patients seen. Failure to meet these benchmarks can lead to salary reductions. Additionally, the law imposes severe penalties on physicians who protest or challenge the reforms.

The impact of Bill 2 is being felt across the healthcare landscape, with other clinics also announcing closures or potential shutdowns. In late November, Dr. Rachel Tessier, co-owner of the Centre medical pour enfants Lasalle, informed her patients that her clinic would close in the spring, citing Bill 2 as the primary reason. Similarly, the GMF Hudson Medicentre has declared it will cease operations as of April 1, 2026 due to the same legislative changes.

Doctors have criticized the new law not only for its financial implications but also for provisions that allow inspectors to audit clinics and access sensitive patient files to ensure compliance. As the law approaches its implementation date, the provincial government is engaged in negotiations with the two main federations representing family physicians and medical specialists. Both groups have expressed that the law is unsustainable.

The pressure is mounting on the Legault government to reach an agreement before the last sitting day of the Quebec legislature on December 15, 2023. With ongoing tensions and significant implications for healthcare providers, the future of many clinics remains uncertain as the new year approaches.