SOS Outaouais is approaching with caution the news that the CISSS de l’Outaouais will be required to cut $45 million under Santé Québec’s new budget framework. While this is a
reduction from the initially projected $90 million, it confirms that our demands and public outcry were both justified and necessary.
The CISSS had already announced $60 million in cuts to meet government expectations. This revision raises an urgent question: Can the damage still be undone, and can we avoid further cuts that would undermine the accessibility and safety of care in the region?
Presenting this lower figure as a “gain” is misleading. Outaouais remains one of the most underfunded regions in Quebec, with a shortfall estimated at $350 million annually, according to the Observatoire du développement de l’Outaouais. This gap has nearly doubled since earlier reports, underscoring the persistent inequity despite reform promises.
Reducing the target from $90 to $45 million is no victory—it only shows the original method lacked nuance and would have unfairly penalized an already fragile region.
he government must finally acknowledge our regional realities.
Santé Québec’s approach, based on cost averages across institutions, still fails to account for the unique territorial, demographic, and cross-border challenges we face. Although Bill 15 promised equitable resource distribution, its implementation is falling short of that goal.
SOS Outaouais continues to demand fair and sustainable funding that reflects the true and specific needs of our region.
Jean Pigeon
Spokesperson, SOS Outaouais
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