Quebec Boosts Medical Specialists’ Pay by $72 Million with Conditions

Quebec has announced an increase of $72.4 million in funding for medical specialists, introducing new performance-based remuneration conditions linked to patient care metrics. This update came to light in documents posted online on September 11, 2025, coinciding with a cabinet reshuffle in Quebec City. The additional funding will be allocated over two years to enhance the overall budget for healthcare professionals.

The new offer, dated September 4, 2025, specifies that part of the remuneration will be contingent upon meeting certain performance targets. For instance, emergency departments are expected to achieve a target of treating 50 percent of patients within 90 minutes by October 2025, with an increase to 80 percent by July 2028. This performance metric is part of broader efforts to improve patient care and access to healthcare services.

Focus on Specialty Rebalancing

In addition to financial incentives, the Quebec government has pledged to work on “rebalance” remuneration among various specialties. Prioritized areas for adjustment include radiology, ophthalmology, cardiac surgery, cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology, and allergy. This focus aims to address disparities in compensation and ensure equitable pay for specialists across different medical fields.

The existing framework agreement between the Quebec government and medical specialists expired on March 31, 2023. Ongoing discussions regarding Bill 106, which seeks to enhance healthcare access by implementing “collective responsibility,” are also part of the negotiations. The Fédérations des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) is actively involved in these discussions and is set to provide updates on the negotiations and potential pressure tactics during a press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Quebec City. The FMSQ is represented at the negotiation table by former Premier Lucien Bouchard.

As the negotiations unfold, the outcome will be crucial for both the healthcare system in Quebec and the specialists working within it. The government’s commitment to improving remuneration while setting performance targets reflects a strategic approach to enhance healthcare delivery and accountability.