Quebec launches new health agency to improve services

MONTREAL — A new crown corporation has officially taken the reins of Quebec’s health system as part of the provincial government’s efforts to reduce emergency room wait times and surgical waiting lists.

The agency, called Santé Québec, will manage all health establishments in the province and become the sole employer of 330,000 health workers.

The agency is a key part of the Quebec government’s plan to reform the province’s health system and improve access to services.

Geneviève Biron, president and CEO of Santé Québec, states in an open letter that she plans to “optimize” the network by reducing duplication of work and sharing tools and best practices between establishments.