A notable increase in Quebec doctors seeking authorization to practice in Ontario has been reported by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. This surge in applications follows the passing of a contentious bill on Oct. 25 in Quebec that reforms doctors’ remuneration.
Within a span of just over two weeks, the CPSO documented more than 13 times the usual number of applicants compared to the total of 19 applications received between June 1 and Oct. 22 this year, as revealed in a statement provided to CBC Toronto.
As of Monday morning, the statement indicated that 263 Quebec doctors had submitted applications for licensing in Ontario since Oct. 23. Among these applicants, 35 have already been granted certificates by the CPSO.
The CPSO disclosed that over half of the applicants were family physicians, with the rest practicing in various specialties such as general practice, pediatrics, radiology, and anesthesiology.
Quebec’s Bill 2, slated to be implemented in the upcoming year, ties doctors’ pay to performance targets related to patient care numbers and introduces fines of up to $500,000 per day for doctors engaging in “concerted action” against government policies.
The CPSO noted that the doctors did not specify reasons for their applications, emphasizing that not all applications will be approved for certification, as some may be withdrawn or revoked.
By last summer, approximately 2.5 million Ontarians lacked a family physician. Premier Doug Ford recently urged Quebec doctors desiring to relocate to Ontario to contact a designated hotline, ensuring a swift transition to employment.
Impacts of Law on Doctors’ Decisions to Move to Ontario
Dr. Trevor Hennessey, head of anesthesiology at the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre in the Outaouais Region, resigned last week. He is contemplating a move to Ontario, where he is already certified to practice, though he has not made a final decision.
After years of highlighting staffing and resource deficiencies affecting healthcare, Bill 2 became the tipping point, according to Hennessey.