Dubé pledges to "progressively wean" the health system from the private sector

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced a plan on Tuesday to reduce the province’s reliance on the private healthcare sector.

Dubé suggested implementing caps on private sector fees and ending the practice of doctors shifting between public and private systems.

Dubé noted that only about 3% of Quebec's doctors work privately but warned against further growth in this area, suggesting that measures should be taken now to manage the situation.

The opposition parties saw this as a significant pivot, with Québec solidaire (QS) representative Vincent Marissal noting that the government itself had encouraged private healthcare expansion.

Parti Québécois (PQ) MNA Joël Arseneau commented that the government’s stance seemed to have shifted abruptly, likening it to their recent change in position on immigration policy.

Liberal health critic André Fortin observed that Dubé’s comments appeared to catch his own government off guard, with government members having previously endorsed private healthcare options.

Fortin suggested Dubé’s stance might signal internal differences within the governing party.

Dubé’s announcement follows a recent proposal requiring new doctors to spend a certain period in the public sector.

The College of Physicians also weighed in, urging an immediate halt to private healthcare expansion, aligning with Dubé’s call for a more controlled approach.