Quebec should sign health agreement: Doctor

In this escalating trade war, there will be no winners, but with one possible exception. Many Canadians have reacted by boycotting U.S. products in stores. Some have cancelled plans to visit American tourist destinations and instead are going to ones in another part of Canada.

However, this may pose distinct problems for Quebecers with pre-existing illnesses. The Quebec government has refused to sign a reciprocal agreement providing for portable medical benefits. Until recently, Quebec fees were the lowest in Canada; hence few MDs would accept a Quebec medicare card. Patients must usually pay out-of-pocket and await reimbursement. The same situation may occur for Canadians seeking medical care while in Quebec.

In the past year, Quebec physicians have received significant fee increases. Their gross incomes are now roughly the average of their counterparts in other provinces. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has no excuse for not signing the reciprocal medical billing agreement as soon as possible. This would leave a permanent legacy, he might increase his support in the upcoming provincial election, and this would — after three decades of political indecision — ensure that Quebecers received the fully portable health benefits enjoyed by all their fellow Canadians. It might also increase tourism to Quebec by other Canadians.

I urge New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant to add this topic to the agenda of the Council of the Federation meeting in Saint Andrews, N.B. taking place July 18-20, 2018.

I also ask Ontario Premier Doug Ford to exert his influence on Premier Couillard in the interest of Canadian unity.

Charles S. Shaver, MD, Ottawa