Wait times to see medical specialists too long, laments Quebec Auditor General

It is difficult in Quebec to get an initial consultation with a medical specialist, laments Acting Auditor General (AG) Alain Fortin.

In his report tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday, Fortin points out that although the problems have been “known for several years,” the implementation of measures to improve the situation has been “slow.”

In 10 audited specialties, 71 per cent of consultation requests awaiting priority C and 77 per cent of those awaiting priority D are past their deadlines.

A priority C is, for example, uncontrolled epilepsy, and a priority D is disabling osteoarthritis or recurrent ear infections.

The problem is particularly acute in ophthalmology, according to the AG. For example, in the Côte-Nord region, the average wait time is more than 500 days for priority C and D consultation requests.

According to a 2025 survey conducted by the Collège des médecins, more than one in four Quebecers consulted a private physician in the 12 months preceding the survey because of difficulties in obtaining an appointment in the public system.

“Due to multiple waiting lists, both at the CRDS and at each hospital, it is difficult to ensure equitable access to specialized medical services,” he notes in his report.

For example, at Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital, patients with a priority C problem who had gone through the CRDS, waited an average of 688 days to be seen, while others waited only 397 days.

According to a survey conducted in 2025 by the Collège des médecins, more than one in four Quebecers had consulted a private physician in the 12 months preceding the survey because of difficulties in obtaining an appointment in the public system.

Budget balance: the VG is concerned about services

As if that weren’t enough, returning to a balanced budget will be difficult, Fortin warns.

He noted that Finance Minister, Eric Girard has not outlined in his plan how he intends to recover approximately $8.5 billion to balance the budget by 2030.

“There is a possible risk of either not achieving a balanced budget or services being affected,” the watchdog pointed out at a press conference.

In addition, the government has not conducted “sustainability analyses” on its ability to ensure long-term funding for services without increasing the tax burden, or the debt load.

Health care renewal costs do not take into account “all the costs associated with an aging population,” which are nevertheless “significant” in the current context, he notes.

“The CAQ simply does not have a credible plan to return to a balanced budget. This government is sailing blind,” said Québec solidaire finance spokesperson, Alejandra Zaga Mendez on Thursday.

“I thank the auditor general for his findings. We agree with his recommendations and will work with the Treasury to develop action plans,” replied Girard.

Mauvaise utilisation de cartes de crédit?

The auditor also examined credit card use in five departments and agencies. He discovered several purchases for which the reason was not documented.

For example, at the Chemin-du-Roy School Service Center, purchases included a haircut ($35), 21 pendants ($159), 227 handmade soaps ($1,024), and veterinary services ($152).

At the Department of Public Safety, the employer’s credit card was used for dental care ($928) and clothing and shoes ($1,487).

The Department of Transportation paid more than $16,000 in interest over three years for late payments.

Between 2019-2020 and 2024-2025, the annual value of purchases by departments and agencies using “business” cards increased by 96%, from $49 million to $96 million, according to the AG.

The number of cards in circulation is reported to have increased by 133 per cent.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews