Leclerc failed to recognize extra-billing prohibits equitable access to health care as well as violates sections 18 to 21 of the Canada Health Act.
“Charging fees to patients for services covered by Quebec’s provincial insurance hurts everyone,” said Dr. Monika Dutt, Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare. “They deter people from seeking care, make health outcomes worse and in the end, drive up the costs as people get sicker before seeking treatment. Extra-billing is also not allowed under the Canada Health Act.”
In March, Canadian Doctors for Medicare (CDM) asked the Honourable Jane Philpott, Canada’s Minister of Health, to defend and enforce the Canada Health Act against contraventions in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario as well as Quebec. CDM reiterated their concerns at May 3 press conference in Montreal hosted by FADOQ, a leading seniors’ organization in Quebec, that is seeking a writ of mandamus from the Federal Court to compel the Minister of Health to enforce the Act in the province.