Quebec health reform bill passes Saturday morning, after gov't invokes closure

Overhaul of Quebec's health-care system voted into law in predawn hours

QUEBEC – Mired in controversy right to the end, the government's overhaul of the health-care system was voted into law in wee hours of Saturday morning.

After a sleepless night spent in the National Assembly, Health Minister Christian Dubé's megareform of the Quebec health system was finally adopted thanks to the exceptional legislative procedure, commonly known as “gag.”

Quebec adopts sweeping health-care reform bill

The motion was adopted following an electronic vote at the National Assembly, with 75 votes in favour, 27 against and no abstentions.

Bill 15 passed under gag order at around 5:15 a.m. on Saturday morning at the National Assembly, after 15 hours of discussions.

Quebec health reform bill passes Saturday morning, after gov't invokes closure

After sitting through the night, early Saturday morning, members of the Quebec legislature finally passed Bill 15 to reform the health-care network, voting 75 to 27.

In particular, Bill 15 creates the Santé Québec agency, which will be responsible for coordinating the operations of the network.