FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov 19, 2025
The Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment (CaSPR) is closely monitoring the escalating situation within Quebec’s healthcare system, triggered by the recent adoption of Bill 2. CaSPR expresses its profound concern over the legislation and wishes to extend its unwavering support and professional solidarity to the physicians and medical learners of Quebec who are facing unprecedented professional challenges and an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Recent reports detailing a significant surge in Quebec physicians applying for licenses in other provinces—including Ontario and New Brunswick—are a grave symptom of a healthcare system under immense pressure. This potential exodus, prompted by legislation that links compensation to performance targets and imposes steep penalties threatens to further destabilize patient care in Quebec and exacerbate the physician shortage already felt across the province.
“The data on physicians seeking to leave Quebec is a stark warning sign for all of Canada,” said Dom Desjardins, CaSPR Chair. “Physicians are dedicated professionals whose primary motivation is providing the highest quality of care. When governmental action forces hundreds of doctors to look for opportunities elsewhere, it signals a fundamental breakdown in the professional working environment and mutual respect necessary to sustain a public healthcare system.”
CaSPR champions the creation of supportive, sustainable, and respectful practice environments as the foundation of successful physician recruitment and retention. Coercive legislation and top-down performance mandates, particularly those that do not fully account for existing resource shortages and administrative burdens, are antithetical to these goals.
CaSPR Stands in Solidarity
The Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment advocates for the following principles:
- Respect for Professional Autonomy, focus on retention, and a national approach to mobility
CaSPR stands ready to offer its expertise in physician workforce planning and retention strategies to all provincial governments seeking to build sustainable and supportive healthcare environments that keep talented medical professionals where they are needed most, caring for patients across Canada.
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About the Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment (CaSPR) – The Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment is a national association dedicated to advancing the practice of physician recruitment and retention across Canada. Our organization is represented by physician recruiters within health authorities, hospitals, and communities committed to ensuring a robust and sustainable medical workforce for all Canadians.
