QUÉBEC — The resignation of Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant has intensified the ongoing crisis within the Quebec government regarding a new payment system for doctors. Carmant announced on Thursday that he would leave the governing party to serve as an Independent member of the provincial legislature. He made the announcement during a press conference alongside Premier François Legault, who is a personal friend.

Carmant, who is also a physician, expressed his struggles with the recent legislation, known as Bill 2, which ties a portion of doctors' pay to performance metrics. "The last few weeks have been difficult and have led me to refocus my priorities," he stated. He emphasized the importance of political engagement being conducted with "balance, clarity, and honesty towards oneself and others."

The new law has sparked significant backlash from the medical community since it was rushed through the legislature last week. It mandates that 10 percent of physicians' remuneration be linked to performance targets, such as the number of appointments and surgeries performed. Additionally, the law prohibits doctors from using pressure tactics in protests against the legislation.

Carmant revealed that his family, including his wife and daughter, both of whom are doctors, have been upset about the situation. "It’s not easy at home," he remarked. His daughter, Laurence Carmant, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, published an open letter in a Quebec newspaper stating that she might have to relocate to another province if the government does not allow her to "practise freely."

Laurence criticized the government for blaming individual doctors for productivity issues, arguing that the real problem lies within a "profoundly broken system."

Premier Legault acknowledged the emotional toll on Carmant, saying, "Today is not the day to talk about Bill 2, but I understand that there are some very emotional reactions, and I think that’s normal."

The legislation also includes strict penalties for doctors who engage in collective actions, with fines reaching up to $20,000 per day for actions such as refusing to teach students or leaving the province in groups. In response to the law, the province's federation of medical specialists has filed a legal challenge in Quebec Superior Court.

Dr. Vincent Oliva, president of the federation, called on Legault to "halt this catastrophe unfolding before our eyes" and expressed understanding for Carmant's decision. He described the open letter from Carmant’s daughter as "powerful" and noted that it was clear Carmant was struggling to balance his professional and personal life.

Carmant was first elected in 2018 when the Coalition Avenir Québec came to power and was appointed as social services minister in 2022. The situation continues to evolve as the government faces mounting pressure from the medical community and public.

This report was first published on October 30, 2025.