Most Quebecers oppose Legault’s doctor pay reform, poll finds

The Legault government appears to be losing the public opinion battle over its controversial reform of how doctors are paid.

Nearly half of Quebecers oppose the measure, a new poll has found, with most worrying it will push physicians out of the province.

Bill 2, which was adopted under closure on Oct. 25 and will come into force in the new year, freezes doctors’ remuneration and imposes performance targets. It also allows the government to fine medical federations over “concerted action” against its policies. Those fines can reach $500,000 per day.

Premier François Legault argues the reform is needed to improve Quebecers’ access to family doctors. About 1.5 million Quebecers still lack one.

But physicians say it restricts their ability to care for patients and is aimed at cutting cost