In the midst of tensions between the Quebec government and local doctors, several Quebec physicians are transitioning to New Brunswick’s healthcare system. From October 2025 to June 2026, the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New Brunswick disclosed that it approved 47 licenses and processed 156 applications from Quebec-based doctors. Nineteen of the licensed physicians were welcomed into the Vitalité Health Network.
Horizon Health Network did not provide specific figures on the recruitment of Quebec physicians. Kris McDavid, a spokesperson, emphasized that the network’s recruitment initiatives targeted a broader pool of candidates nationally and internationally, rather than focusing solely on a specific province.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons data indicated that besides the 19 physicians joining Vitalité, an additional 28 doctors had accepted roles in various parts of the province since October. This influx coincided with disagreements between former premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec government and doctors over changes in physician compensation methods.
Vitalité Health Network has already integrated nine of the recruited doctors, with the remaining expected to join within the next year. Among the 19 physicians signed with the network, there are five community-based family physicians, two obstetrician-gynecologists, and one anesthesiologist. The health zones of Edmundston, Moncton, Bathurst, and Campbellton are set to benefit from the new Vitalité recruits.
Raphaël Albert, Vitalité’s director of medical recruitment and retention, expressed satisfaction with the addition of Quebec physicians to the network, emphasizing the enhanced quality of care for residents. He highlighted the diverse specialties recruited, including those that are typically challenging to attract, such as endocrinologists and hemato-oncologists.
Albert noted that Quebec has always been a target market for Vitalité, with continual interviews conducted with candidates from the province. He also underscored the similarities between New Brunswick’s collaborative care model and Quebec’s approach, which facilitates the transition for Quebec physicians.
Progressive Conservative health critic Bill Hogan praised the influx of Quebec physicians, particularly highlighting the positive impact on addressing the shortage of anesthesiologists in the province. Hogan expressed optimism about the potential contributions of the new recruits to the healthcare system in New Brunswick.
Despite efforts to obtain comments from the Department of Health, CBC News did not secure an interview regarding the recent developments.
