Quebec’s Hospital Crisis: Montreal General Leads Repair Needs

A recent assessment of Quebec’s healthcare facilities has revealed a significant deterioration in the province’s hospital infrastructure. As of early 2026, 38 percent of the province’s 594 hospital buildings are classified as being in “poor” (rated D) or “very poor” (rated E) condition, according to updated data from Santé Québec and compiled by Radio-Canada. The number of hospitals rated poorly has skyrocketed from approximately 100 in early 2025 to 227 a year later.

The financial implications are alarming. The asset maintenance deficit of Quebec’s hospitals has surged from around $900 million last year to over $2 billion this year. This rapid escalation highlights the urgent need for a substantial investment in the province’s medical infrastructure.

Montreal’s Struggling Hospitals

Nearly half of the most deteriorated hospitals in Quebec are situated in Montreal. Leading the list of facilities in critical need of repair is the Montreal General Hospital, followed closely by the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, which recently suffered damage from burst water pipes. Alarmingly, the Montreal General’s rating plummeted from a “B” in 2025, indicating it was in good condition, to an “E” in 2026, marking it as “very bad.”

Colleen Timm, executive director of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), described the situation as “critical.” Since the beginning of 2024, the hospital has experienced 260 water leaks, many of which have adversely affected patient care. Timm noted that the hospital’s plumbing and electrical systems require complete replacement, with an estimated maintenance deficit of $249 million.

A Broader Crisis in Healthcare

While the Montreal General serves as a stark example of the hospital crisis, it is not the only facility facing challenges. Data from Santé Québec reveals that the Douglas Mental Health Institute, the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec in Quebec City, and the Saint-Jérôme Regional Hospital each require approximately $100 million in repairs.

Sonia Dugas, vice-president of finance at Santé Québec, expressed concern over the rapid decline in the condition of these facilities. She pointed out that the surge in poor ratings reflects a long-overdue update of the province’s infrastructure data. “This is work that had not been done for several years,” Dugas explained, emphasizing the need for accurate assessments to prioritize and manage the budget effectively.

Dugas also highlighted the necessity of maintaining existing buildings before considering new constructions. Despite having a maintenance budget of $1 billion, she acknowledged that the actual costs for essential repairs will likely exceed this amount by at least double.

The deteriorating state of healthcare facilities in Quebec urgently calls for government intervention and significant financial commitment to ensure that the medical infrastructure can effectively support patient care. As the situation continues to evolve, the health and safety of the province’s residents remain at stake.