Lionel Carmant has made the decision to step down from his role as the social services minister in the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government and will now serve as an Independent member. This announcement was made during a joint press conference with Premier François Legault, where Carmant described the choice as challenging and emotionally difficult, citing a need to prioritize his family.
Subsequently, Sonia Bélanger, who oversees housing, will take over Carmant’s responsibilities as the social services minister, along with managing issues related to seniors. Meanwhile, Caroline Proulx, who previously handled seniors’ affairs, will assume the housing portfolio.
Carmant’s resignation came shortly after his daughter, a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, expressed intentions to leave Quebec due to concerns over the province’s controversial Bill 2, which imposes restrictions on doctors’ salaries. The legal challenge against the law, initiated by the federation representing medical specialists in Quebec, argues that it infringes on several charter rights and seeks an immediate suspension of its most burdensome provisions.
In response to the growing discontent among healthcare professionals, numerous doctors are considering relocating to other provinces, including Carmant’s daughter. In a published letter, she underscored the need for reforms in the healthcare system and hinted at moving elsewhere if her concerns are not addressed.
During his resignation announcement, Carmant emphasized that his decision was not an abandonment of his duties but rather a careful choice between competing responsibilities. While he refrained from addressing his daughter’s letter directly, he stressed the importance of political engagement with integrity and transparency.
Members of the opposition, including Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and Quebec Liberal Party health critic Marc Tanguay, acknowledged the significance of Carmant’s daughter’s letter as a poignant message to the government. Québec Solidaire MNA Manon Massé lamented the loss of Carmant as a minister and expressed concerns about the future direction of the CAQ.
Prior to his political career, Carmant, a former pediatric neurologist at CHU Sainte-Justine, served as the junior minister for health and social services from 2018 to 2022 after being elected as the member for Taillon in 2018. In his farewell address, Carmant expressed the difficulty of leaving behind issues he was passionate about, while Legault commended his contributions and expressed gratitude for his service.