Aaron Derfel
@aaronderfel.bsky.social
I'm a health journalist at the Montreal Gazette. You can also find me on Mastodon at mas.to/@aderfel and Telegram at t.me/AaronDerfel.
My bio: https://www.concordia.ca/faculty/aaron-derfel.html
My bio: https://www.concordia.ca/faculty/aaron-derfel.html
7) In desperation, Quebec's new Health Minister, Sonia Bélanger, is now seeking to stem the exodus of physicians from her province. She's tabled Bill 19, rolling back all of the most contentious parts of Bill 2. But that effort may prove too little, too late.
montrealgazette.com/news/provinc...
montrealgazette.com/news/provinc...
CAQ tables bill rolling back more chunks of controversial doctor law
The agreement with the FMOQ sets a target of 500,000 more patients to have access to a family doctor by June 30.
montrealgazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
7) In desperation, Quebec's new Health Minister, Sonia Bélanger, is now seeking to stem the exodus of physicians from her province. She's tabled Bill 19, rolling back all of the most contentious parts of Bill 2. But that effort may prove too little, too late.
montrealgazette.com/news/provinc...
montrealgazette.com/news/provinc...
6) Then, New Brunswick's College of Physicians and Surgeons granted two dozen licenses to Quebec doctors, who will soon be working for that province's two health authorities. Clearly, these doctors were attracted to working conditions deemed much better than in Quebec.
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
6) Then, New Brunswick's College of Physicians and Surgeons granted two dozen licenses to Quebec doctors, who will soon be working for that province's two health authorities. Clearly, these doctors were attracted to working conditions deemed much better than in Quebec.
5) Soon the aftershocks came: News that 33 doctors departed from the Outaouais region for Ontario, no doubt pleasing Premier Doug Ford, who had extended an open invitation to them. This exodus left 15,000 patients in the lurch in Quebec.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Santé Québec scrambles to fill positions after 33 doctors in Outaouais quit over Bill 2
"We are aware that these departures, regardless of the reason given, may cause concern for the population," said a spokesperson to Health Minister Sonia Bélanger.
montrealgazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
5) Soon the aftershocks came: News that 33 doctors departed from the Outaouais region for Ontario, no doubt pleasing Premier Doug Ford, who had extended an open invitation to them. This exodus left 15,000 patients in the lurch in Quebec.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
4) Bill 2 produced three political casualties: First Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant resigned. Then Health Minister Christian Dubé quit. Then Premier François Legault announced he would be stepping aside, shaking Quebec's political landscape.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Analysis: Health care was François Legault's Achilles heel
"We've never had as many people in the emergency wards than now," said patient-rights advocate Paul Brunet, referring to the premier's record on health care.
montrealgazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
4) Bill 2 produced three political casualties: First Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant resigned. Then Health Minister Christian Dubé quit. Then Premier François Legault announced he would be stepping aside, shaking Quebec's political landscape.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
3) But then the Coalition Avenir Québec government tabled Bill 2 last fall, setting what were viewed as impossible performance targets for doctors. Failure to fulfill them would result in their pay being docked. Naturally, physicians were outraged.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Analysis: How Quebec's Law 2 sets impossible medical performance goals for doctors
"You know, I cannot even increase my volume of patients by one per cent," said Dr. Rami Younan, a surgical oncologist at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal.
montrealgazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
3) But then the Coalition Avenir Québec government tabled Bill 2 last fall, setting what were viewed as impossible performance targets for doctors. Failure to fulfill them would result in their pay being docked. Naturally, physicians were outraged.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
2) Doctors are in short supply across Canada, yet in 2024 a wonderful thing happened in Quebec. The province reported a net gain of 95 doctors from the rest of Canada. By comparison, Ontario recorded a net loss of 207 doctors.
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
2) Doctors are in short supply across Canada, yet in 2024 a wonderful thing happened in Quebec. The province reported a net gain of 95 doctors from the rest of Canada. By comparison, Ontario recorded a net loss of 207 doctors.
1) BREAKING: Quebec has gone from being a net importer of physicians from other provinces to a net exporter of them to other parts of Canada because of the provincial government's doctors' pay law. Please see my story below. 👇
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
At least seven Quebec doctors have accepted job offers in New Brunswick
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick has issued 24 licenses to Quebec doctors since last October.
montrealgazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
1) BREAKING: Quebec has gone from being a net importer of physicians from other provinces to a net exporter of them to other parts of Canada because of the provincial government's doctors' pay law. Please see my story below. 👇
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
BREAKING: A fake and potentially fatal cough syrup aimed at teens wanting to get high is making a cruel comeback in the Montreal area. Please see my story below.👇
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Montreal public health warns of killer cough syrup aimed at teens
A Laval teen died of an overdose in 2023 after consuming the tainted liquid.
montrealgazette.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:14 AM
BREAKING: A fake and potentially fatal cough syrup aimed at teens wanting to get high is making a cruel comeback in the Montreal area. Please see my story below.👇
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
3) Make no mistake: Much of Quebec's infrastructure — from mould-infested schools to aging hospitals, from pothole-ridden roads to rusting bridges — is in need of upgrades. And yet the government has squandered millions on failed projects like Northvolt.
montrealgazette.com/news/caq-gov...
montrealgazette.com/news/caq-gov...
montrealgazette.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:16 PM
3) Make no mistake: Much of Quebec's infrastructure — from mould-infested schools to aging hospitals, from pothole-ridden roads to rusting bridges — is in need of upgrades. And yet the government has squandered millions on failed projects like Northvolt.
montrealgazette.com/news/caq-gov...
montrealgazette.com/news/caq-gov...
2) Monday's flooding at the Douglas — with water raining down on ultra-sensitive scientific instruments — recalls the snow that fell in the decrepit intensive-care unit at Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital last winter.
montrealgazette.com/opinion/hane...
montrealgazette.com/opinion/hane...
Hanes: Quebec government has let vibrant institutions decay
Hanes- Quebec government has let vibrant institutions decay
montrealgazette.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:16 PM
2) Monday's flooding at the Douglas — with water raining down on ultra-sensitive scientific instruments — recalls the snow that fell in the decrepit intensive-care unit at Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital last winter.
montrealgazette.com/opinion/hane...
montrealgazette.com/opinion/hane...
1) The Douglas Mental Health University Institute, which was founded in 1881, hasn't undergone much renovation since Queen Victoria was alive. On Monday, the ceilings literally caved in. See my story below about Quebec's crumbling medical infrastructure.👇
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Burst pipes cause widespread flooding in research labs at Douglas Institute
"The situation here is appalling, both for the patients but also for the research centre," said researcher Sylvain Williams. "It's really unfortunate because the Douglas is a leader in Canada and the ...
montrealgazette.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:16 PM
1) The Douglas Mental Health University Institute, which was founded in 1881, hasn't undergone much renovation since Queen Victoria was alive. On Monday, the ceilings literally caved in. See my story below about Quebec's crumbling medical infrastructure.👇
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
4) Finally, the figure of $1.4 billion in personal gain for Trump is likely a vast underestimate, according to The Times editorial. On that note, please support local journalism that shows neither fear nor favor. End of thread.
January 21, 2026 at 1:41 AM
4) Finally, the figure of $1.4 billion in personal gain for Trump is likely a vast underestimate, according to The Times editorial. On that note, please support local journalism that shows neither fear nor favor. End of thread.
3) "President Trump has never been a man to ask what he can do for his country. In his second term, as in his first, he is instead testing the limits of what his country can do for him" — Times editorial on the one-year anniversary of his second term.
January 21, 2026 at 1:41 AM
3) "President Trump has never been a man to ask what he can do for his country. In his second term, as in his first, he is instead testing the limits of what his country can do for him" — Times editorial on the one-year anniversary of his second term.
2) The Times had to have known Trump might sue the newspaper anew, as he's already suing it for $15 billion. Yet it chose to publish this editorial anyway in which it accuses him of "hollow(ing) out the institutions of government for personal gain."
www.nytco.com/press/the-ne...
www.nytco.com/press/the-ne...
New York Times Response to Trump Lawsuit | The New York Times Company
President Trump has filed a lawsuit against The Times. We believe it has no merit.
www.nytco.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:41 AM
2) The Times had to have known Trump might sue the newspaper anew, as he's already suing it for $15 billion. Yet it chose to publish this editorial anyway in which it accuses him of "hollow(ing) out the institutions of government for personal gain."
www.nytco.com/press/the-ne...
www.nytco.com/press/the-ne...
1) At a time when some U.S. news organizations have yielded to pressure by Donald Trump, it's heartening to see The New York Times publish this editorial today: How Trump has enriched himself by $1.4 billion in a staggering series of corrupt quid pro quos.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | How Trump Has Used the Presidency to Make at Least $1.4 Billion
The president took an oath to serve the American people. Instead, he’s focused his second term on enriching himself and his family.
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:41 AM
1) At a time when some U.S. news organizations have yielded to pressure by Donald Trump, it's heartening to see The New York Times publish this editorial today: How Trump has enriched himself by $1.4 billion in a staggering series of corrupt quid pro quos.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
To whom does your medical file or your children's belong?
To yourself? Or to Santé Québec or to Epic Systems in the United States? Please read my story below to gain more insight into the future of digital health care as it rolls out in Quebec this May.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
To yourself? Or to Santé Québec or to Epic Systems in the United States? Please read my story below to gain more insight into the future of digital health care as it rolls out in Quebec this May.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
U.S. firm involved in Quebec's digital health records faces major lawsuit in Texas
The lawsuit alleges Wisconsin-based Epic Systems restricts parental access to children's medical files and is maintaining a monopoly.
montrealgazette.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:07 PM
To whom does your medical file or your children's belong?
To yourself? Or to Santé Québec or to Epic Systems in the United States? Please read my story below to gain more insight into the future of digital health care as it rolls out in Quebec this May.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
To yourself? Or to Santé Québec or to Epic Systems in the United States? Please read my story below to gain more insight into the future of digital health care as it rolls out in Quebec this May.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
5) But the same poll shows PSPP's immense popularity has been waning — from a high of 47% in September 2024 to 35% in January this year. Thus, will PSPP possess the riz to charm Quebecers on his promise to hold a third sovereignty referendum? That's the question. End of thread.
January 17, 2026 at 5:14 PM
5) But the same poll shows PSPP's immense popularity has been waning — from a high of 47% in September 2024 to 35% in January this year. Thus, will PSPP possess the riz to charm Quebecers on his promise to hold a third sovereignty referendum? That's the question. End of thread.
4) Tied in fourth place were the Coalition Avenir Québec — which likely explains Legault's departure — and Québec Solidaire.
January 17, 2026 at 5:14 PM
4) Tied in fourth place were the Coalition Avenir Québec — which likely explains Legault's departure — and Québec Solidaire.
3) According to a Pallas public-opinion survey that was conducted on Jan. 9-10 — just before Legault's announced departure — the PQ was leading with 34% support among respondents, compared with 24% for the Quebec Liberals and 16% for the provincial Conservatives of Éric Duhaime.
January 17, 2026 at 5:14 PM
3) According to a Pallas public-opinion survey that was conducted on Jan. 9-10 — just before Legault's announced departure — the PQ was leading with 34% support among respondents, compared with 24% for the Quebec Liberals and 16% for the provincial Conservatives of Éric Duhaime.
2) Unless Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon renounces his promise of holding a third-times's-a-charm referendum on Quebec sovereignty, that issue is likely to dominate the next provincial election campaign. The PQ, after all, is consistently leading in the polls.
January 17, 2026 at 5:14 PM
2) Unless Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon renounces his promise of holding a third-times's-a-charm referendum on Quebec sovereignty, that issue is likely to dominate the next provincial election campaign. The PQ, after all, is consistently leading in the polls.
1) Great front page in The Gazette today: How the political winds shifted instantly with Premier Françcois Legault's resignation this week, and how this is already shaping next October's momentous provincial election.
January 17, 2026 at 5:14 PM
1) Great front page in The Gazette today: How the political winds shifted instantly with Premier Françcois Legault's resignation this week, and how this is already shaping next October's momentous provincial election.
8) Il serait tout à fait approprié qu'un élément important de la géographie du Québec, et pas seulement une rue, soit nommé en l'honneur d'Henri Dorion. Fin de l'enfilade.
January 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM
8) Il serait tout à fait approprié qu'un élément important de la géographie du Québec, et pas seulement une rue, soit nommé en l'honneur d'Henri Dorion. Fin de l'enfilade.
7) Henri Dorion était également père, et voici ses enfants : la muséologue Anik Dorion-Coupal, la chorégraphe Geneviève Dorion-Coupal, l’anthropologue Karen Dorion-Coupal et de la comédienne Nathalie Coupal. Et leur grand-mère était une ballerine russe !
January 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM
7) Henri Dorion était également père, et voici ses enfants : la muséologue Anik Dorion-Coupal, la chorégraphe Geneviève Dorion-Coupal, l’anthropologue Karen Dorion-Coupal et de la comédienne Nathalie Coupal. Et leur grand-mère était une ballerine russe !
6) « À marée basse, des milliers d’îles sont rattachées au continent », avait expliqué Henri Dorion. Si c’est marée basse, ces îles-là font partie du Québec ; si c’est marée haute, ça ne fait pas partie du Québec » !!!
January 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM
6) « À marée basse, des milliers d’îles sont rattachées au continent », avait expliqué Henri Dorion. Si c’est marée basse, ces îles-là font partie du Québec ; si c’est marée haute, ça ne fait pas partie du Québec » !!!
5) Henri Dorion s'intéressait vivement à la frontière du 52e parallèle entre le Québec et le Labrador. Curieusement, la partie occidentale de cette frontière avait été fixée à la ligne des basses eaux de la baie d’Hudson en 1912.
January 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM
5) Henri Dorion s'intéressait vivement à la frontière du 52e parallèle entre le Québec et le Labrador. Curieusement, la partie occidentale de cette frontière avait été fixée à la ligne des basses eaux de la baie d’Hudson en 1912.