Quebec launches new health-care agency in bid to improve services

MONTREAL — A new Crown corporation has officially taken the reins of Quebec’s health-care system as part of the provincial government’s effort to reduce emergency room wait times and surgery wait lists.

The agency, called Santé Québec, will manage all health-care facilities in the province and will become the sole employer of 330,000 health-care workers.

The agency is a key part of the Quebec government’s plan to reform the province’s health-care system and improve access to services.

Geneviève Biron, president and CEO of Santé Québec, says in an open letter that she plans to “optimize” the network by reducing the duplication of work and sharing tools and best practices between institutions.

But the agency has also been tasked with eliminating a $1.5-billion deficit in health-care spending, which Health Minister Christian Dubé has acknowledged will affect services.

One of Quebec’s largest trade unions has criticized the new agency, saying grouping health facilities under one roof will have little impact on health care, while spending cuts will hit hard.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2024.

The Canadian Press