Quebec to test virtual waiting rooms in emergency departments
Posted June 19, 2026 10:45 am.
Last Updated June 19, 2026 12:40 pm.
Premier Christine Fréchette announced Friday morning the launch of calls for proposals for pilot projects involving virtual waiting rooms and telemedicine consultations, with the aim of modernizing access to care. Furthermore, the premier did nothing to dispel the rumour that she will run in Trois-Rivières in the next election.
Fréchette explained that an initial pilot project for a virtual waiting room will be launched in the Lanaudière region “in the coming months.”
A patient who has been assessed and triaged in the emergency department will thus be able to wait at home and retain their place in line rather than remain at the hospital if their condition is deemed non-urgent.
“Imagine what this could mean for seniors, for example, or for parents with young children, or for people who are used to waiting hours and hours to see a doctor and have to do so inside the emergency room,” the premier said during a press conference in Joliette.
Virtual consultations
Another initiative will also be tested in Lanaudière and the Capitale-Nationale region to prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
In this case, a patient will be able to receive a virtual assessment and consultation in order to be referred to the health service most appropriate for their case.
This project will be developed in collaboration with, among others, the Collège des médecins du Québec and the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec.
“This is another step toward improving access to care and services,” said Health Minister Sonia Bélanger, who was present alongside Fréchette during a press briefing in Joliette.
The premier also noted that this was one of the commitments she had made during her campaign for the leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ).
Will the first patients at this virtual emergency room be able to benefit from it before the elections scheduled for next fall?
“There’s a lot of planning to be done, and I can tell you that we’re moving full steam ahead,” Bélanger said.
“There are all the administrative considerations involved in selecting technologies and issuing requests for proposals,” and “we need to train the staff,” said Bélanger, who hopes the project will be implemented “as quickly as possible.”
A government press release states that “work on drafting the request for proposals is beginning immediately, with the goal of launching pilot projects by the end of 2026.”
CAQ candidate announcements
A rumour suggests that the premier would like to run in the Trois-Rivières riding in this fall’s election, rather than in Sanguinet, where she is currently a member of the National Assembly.
When asked about the matter, the premier did nothing to dispel the rumour.
“You know I have a special attachment to Trois-Rivières, the city where I grew up and where my parents still live. I also have a special attachment to Sanguinet. In fact, I’ll be making an exciting announcement on Monday in my riding,” she said, before adding: “What I can tell you is that we have several strong candidates and we’re in the process of selecting from among them. I can assure you that I’m looking forward to introducing them to you, and that process begins tomorrow.”
La Presse Canadienne has confirmed that one of the new candidates is Manuela Goya, who currently serves as vice president of destination development and public affairs for Tourisme Montréal.
She will be running in Brome-Missisquoi.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
