National Council | The PQ would consider abolishing Santé Québec

(Quebec) A government led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon would consider putting Santé Québec out of business. The leader of the Parti Québécois believes that the future state corporation serves as a “screen” for the CAQ to carry out “dirty work” such as cutting a billion in health spending.

“Everything is on the table on our side,” said the PQ leader as his party’s National Council begins this Sunday in Victoriaville. The event is also held under the theme Beyond health structural reforms.

“Let’s look at what Santé Québec is used for in order to make a decision regarding the usefulness of this structure. But if it serves as a screen for cuts without the minister having to answer for a decision which is strictly speaking political, I remain convinced. I am not convinced,” said Mr. St-PIerre Plamondon at a press conference.

Until now, the Parti Québécois – which has never been in favor of the creation of this new state corporation – gave the runner a chance. However, the last few months and the round of interviews with the head of Santé Québec, Geneviève Biron, have not demonstrated the added value of the structure, according to the PQ.

“What worries me about Santé Québec is that we are in the process of [lui] give up all the low works, all the difficult decisions. We are saying to Santé Québec: “you are going to cut 1 billion, maybe 1.5 billion. And we, ministries and politicians, are washing our hands of it. We have no answer to give because it’s Santé Québec,” explains Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon.

In interview at The Press On Tuesday, Geneviève Biron called on health establishments to clean up to reduce a billion in expenses without affecting services. Now is not the time for half measures, as Quebec plans to record a historic deficit of 11 billion. The CISSS and CIUSSS must manage to eliminate their deficit to regain budgetary balance.

The local association of Laporte will also propose on Sunday that the “national council mandates the political commission to study the possibility of setting up a complete external financial audit of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Health agency Quebec.” However, the political commission presented an unfavorable opinion on the proposal, confirmed president Camille Pellerin-Forget.

Prevention and overprescription

The Parti Québécois committed Sunday to putting prevention back at the forefront to improve the health of Quebecers and reduce pressure on the network. We also want to develop a strategy to reduce the phenomenon of overprescription among young people in particular.

“It’s neither smart in terms of people’s health nor smart in terms of finances. Not that we are going to stop using medications, but it requires a more rigorous approach to the use of medications and especially how to reconsider the objective which is the health of the person,” explained Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon. The details of this strategy have not yet been revealed.

This is also the case with regard to access, whereas the Parti Québécois wants to favor care by a health professional and not just a family doctor. This is also the approach of the Legault government, which promises that all Quebecers will be registered with a GMF or a CLSC by the summer of 2026. The PQ did not want to commit to a support target for the moment.

A panel of experts, which includes the former star candidate of Québec solidaire, the D^re Mélissa Généreux will address the importance of public health and prevention on Sunday. In interview with The Press this week, the latter, who is no longer active in solidarity, said she was seduced by the ideas of Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.

Delegates will also vote on a series of health-related proposals, such as examining the consequences of mandatory overtime on caregivers and identifying solutions to expand the practice of practical nurses.