Surge in Quebec Doctors Seeking Licenses in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is experiencing a significant increase in the number of doctors from Quebec applying for licensing in the province. This rise is attributed to ongoing tensions between Quebec physicians and their government, particularly following the introduction of a controversial bill that alters their compensation structure.

According to the New Brunswick College of Physicians, the number of applications from Quebec doctors remained low throughout 2023, with only three applications in both January and August. However, in October, this figure surged to 34 applications. As a province that is officially bilingual, New Brunswick has a pressing need for French-speaking healthcare professionals, making it an attractive option for those from Quebec.

Impact of Bill 2 on Quebec Physicians

The strained relationship between Quebec’s government and its doctors escalated with the passage of Bill 2 over the weekend. The new law links a portion of physicians’ compensation to performance targets, which focus on the number of patients they care for, particularly vulnerable populations. Passed shortly before 04:00 on Saturday, this legislation allows for fines of up to $500,000 per day on doctors who engage in “concerted action” against governmental policies.

In response, various federations representing family doctors and medical specialists have employed pressure tactics against the proposed changes, including refusing to teach medical students. Many physicians argue that the bill effectively results in a pay cut. “With such a very significant pay cut, doctors will look to go elsewhere,” remarked Dr. Jean-Joseph Condé, a family doctor based in Val d’Or, Quebec. He noted a trend of physicians relocating to cities like Ottawa, where job opportunities abound.

New Brunswick aims to capitalize on this situation, encouraging more doctors to consider moving to the province. Dr. John Dornan, New Brunswick’s Health Minister, stated in an email, “We will be monitoring the adopted legislation in Quebec and any potential impacts on our province. We are working continuously with the regional health authorities and our other recruitment partners and stakeholders to bolster the province’s physician ranks.”

Efforts to Attract Quebec Physicians

In anticipation of increased interest, the Vitalité Health Network has initiated an advertising campaign in Quebec. This effort coincides with the upcoming Francophone Physicians of Canada conference in Montreal, which is expected to draw attention to the recruitment challenges faced by New Brunswick.

Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association and a practicing oncologist in New Brunswick, emphasized the potential impact of this influx. “That would be critically important and would be very much appreciated by New Brunswick. We don’t want to poach from other provinces but will not turn down an opportunity.”

The need for more medical professionals in New Brunswick is pressing. Recent data from the New Brunswick Health Council indicated that a quarter of the province’s population lacked a primary care provider as of 2024. The government’s proactive stance in attracting Quebec doctors could significantly alleviate this shortage.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for both Quebec and New Brunswick’s healthcare systems could be profound. The ongoing developments will be closely watched, particularly as New Brunswick continues to seek solutions to its physician shortages while navigating the complexities of interprovincial healthcare dynamics.