Demographic change is putting a heavy strain on Quebec’s public health care system. In particular, this is reflected in a greater need for nursing staff. Meanwhile, many nurses are opting to practise their profession with employment agencies and in the private sector, causing fears of a weakening of the public sector. The Montreal Economic Institute conducted an investigation among nurses to see if the labour supply is really being used to full capacity and whether some nurses would be willing to work extra hours in private practice.

In public policy matters, debates on the health care system are, beyond a doubt, those that cause the greatest controversy. In Quebec, as elsewhere in Canada, the issue of what role should be entrusted to the private sector in the provision of health care services is especially problematic. This is indicated by the strong reactions to the recently published report of the Task Force on the Funding of the Health System, chaired by Claude Castonguay, which some blamed for suggesting a greater participation of private providers as a way toward solving the health care system’s problems.

Reaction to the Castonguay report on health care financing.

Reaction to the Castonguay report on health care financing.

The private sector’s participation to the Quebec and Canadian health care system.

Eleven ideas from the MEI for getting Quebec out of its torpor.

Advertising campaign against the participation of the private sector in Quebec’s health care system.

As questions abound regarding management and resource use in the public health care system, it is important to evaluate the place the private sector could occupy. With this first Economic Note on the use of health care resources, the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) wishes to add some thoughts on the optimization of operating blocks in Quebec. A later Economic Note will look into the supply of human resources in the health care system.

Health care reform in Canada.

Health care reform in Canada.