Lionel Carmant has decided to step down from his role as the social services minister within the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government and will now serve as an Independent member. During a press conference on Thursday morning, the long-serving minister, alongside Premier François Legault, expressed that his choice to resign was a challenging and emotional one, driven by a need to prioritize his family.
Premier Legault later announced that Sonia Bélanger, the current minister responsible for housing, will assume the role of social services minister in addition to maintaining oversight of seniors. Meanwhile, Caroline Proulx, who previously held the seniors portfolio, will now take charge of housing affairs.
Carmant’s resignation coincides with mounting discontent among Quebec doctors over Bill 2, a contentious law that regulates doctors’ salaries. The federation representing medical specialists in Quebec has lodged a legal challenge against the legislation, citing violations of charter rights and seeking an immediate suspension of its most severe provisions. As a result, numerous doctors are contemplating leaving the province’s public healthcare system, with some already applying for licenses to practice in other provinces, including Carmant’s daughter, a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine.
In a letter published in Le Devoir, Laurence Carmant stated her intention to relocate elsewhere in Canada if the government does not facilitate her practice freely. Despite this backdrop, Lionel Carmant refrained from addressing his daughter’s letter directly during the press conference, emphasizing that his decision to resign was not an abandonment of duty but a conscious choice guided by personal responsibilities.
Opposition figures, including Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and Quebec Liberal Party health critic Marc Tanguay, acknowledged the significance of Carmant’s daughter’s letter in sending a potent message to Premier Legault. Québec Solidaire MNA Manon Massé lamented the loss of an “excellent minister” and expressed concern over the future direction of the CAQ.
Prior to his political career, Carmant served as a pediatric neurologist at CHU Sainte-Justine before being elected as the member for Taillon in 2018. Reflecting on his departure, Carmant acknowledged the challenge of leaving behind issues close to his heart, while Premier Legault expressed gratitude for his contributions. The decision to resign comes at a time of heightened tension surrounding Bill 2, with the CAQ facing scrutiny for its handling of the legislation.
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