The Council of Mayors of the MRC Pontiac expresses its deep concern regarding the adoption of Bill 2, which risks worsening the already severe crisis within the healthcare system in the Outaouais region. Underfunded for many years, the region faces significant delays in the development of its health infrastructure and services—a situation that is particularly critical for residents of the Pontiac.
The region’s proximity to Ontario further exacerbates the shortage of physicians, as many professionals are considering early retirement or seeking practice permits elsewhere. Already, many citizens do not have access to a family doctor and cannot afford any further reduction in essential services.
“The state of the healthcare system in the Pontiac is critical. Our residents deserve equitable access to quality care, and we cannot accept measures that may further worsen the shortage of services. It is essential to protect our hospital, our CLSCs, and our local healthcare services,” said Jane Toller, Warden of the MRC Pontiac.
The MRC Pontiac emphasizes that rural realities require physicians to assume multiple responsibilities—palliative care, emergency services, hospitalization, and family practice—making the quota system imposed by Bill 2 particularly burdensome for them and for specialized nurse practitioners.
As a result, the Council of Mayors is formally calling on Premier François Legault and Minister of Health Christian Dubé to repeal Bill 2, believing that it would cause significant harm to the local healthcare system and compromise the safety and well-being of the population.
Citizen Mobilization
MRC Pontiac also invites residents to sign the petition available at its office as well as in municipal offices. The deadline to sign is December 5. In addition, a demonstration organized by Voix du Pontiac will be held on Sunday, November 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Pontiac Community Hospital in Shawville. Community participation is strongly encouraged.
