Montreal’s Tiny Tots Pediatric Clinic to Close Amid Salary Reform

Another medical clinic in Montreal is set to close, with the government’s controversial doctor salary reform being a significant factor. The Tiny Tots Pediatric Clinic, located in Decarie Square, announced it will begin phasing out operations in early January 2026. A sign on the clinic’s door reassured patients that efforts are underway to explore relocation options, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining care quality for its more than 20,000 patients.

The clinic is part of the ELNA Médical Group, one of the largest networks of medical clinics in Montreal, which has faced mounting financial difficulties in recent years. Oren Sebag, a city councillor for Côte Saint-Luc and manager of ELNA clinics, indicated that the clinic’s challenges stem from a significant “exodus” of doctors. After filing for creditor protection, the company was sold to a group of investors last summer. Currently, the clinic operates with a minimal staff of approximately nine to ten doctors.

The introduction of Bill 2, a physician remuneration law passed by the Quebec government, has further exacerbated the situation. This law, which ties 10 percent of a doctor’s salary to performance indicators, was enacted rapidly in October. If physicians fail to meet certain objectives, such as increasing patient numbers, they risk salary reductions. The law also imposes severe penalties on doctors who challenge its provisions.

Sebag remarked, “Bill 2 was the nail in the coffin” for the clinic, highlighting the law’s detrimental impact on medical practices. Other clinics in the region have begun to follow suit. In late November, Dr. Rachel Tessier, co-owner of the Centre Medical pour Enfants Lasalle, informed her patients of an impending closure in spring 2026, attributing the decision primarily to Bill 2. Similarly, GMF Hudson Medicentre, located west of Montreal, announced it would cease operations by April 1, 2026.

Doctors have expressed strong concerns regarding the new law, particularly its provision allowing inspectors to access sensitive patient files to ensure compliance. As of now, the provincial government continues negotiations with representatives from the two main federations of family physicians and medical specialists. Both organizations have characterized the law as unsustainable and have urged the government to reconsider its implications.

As the Quebec legislature’s last sitting day before the holiday break approaches on December 15, 2023, pressure mounts on the government led by Premier François Legault to reach a resolution regarding the contentious law. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the future of healthcare delivery in the province, as more clinics face the threat of closure.