Outgoing president says he is proud of college of physicians’ role as a social actor

MONTREAL — Mauril Gaudreault is proud of the Quebec college of physicians’ shift toward becoming a social actor over his eight-year tenure as president.

The outgoing president said the professional association has become much more vocal on certain social issues, which has at times generated a great deal of media coverage.

Gaudreault, 78, made the comments in an interview after completing his second term at the helm of the association.

Over coffee in Montreal, Gaudreault said his key achievements included bringing the association closer to the public, helping to expand the scope of professional practice, and becoming a social advocate.

He was also the first president to undertake an extensive tour of Quebec’s regions to meet with health-care professionals and the public.

His most controversial stance was calling on doctors to stop their pressure tactics while the medical federations were in the midst of negotiations with the government over their compensation.

Many doctors perceived this as political interference by the college in an already heated standoff with Quebec. Some called for his removal, which ultimately did not occur.

Gaudreault did, however, receive a motion of censure passed at an extraordinary general assembly — a first in the history of the association.

“Psychologically, it was a difficult experience for me. It was the hardest period of my presidency,” he said.

Although it caused a stir, he said he has no regrets.

“A professional association exists to protect the public by ensuring high-quality medical care … and in my view — and this is the opinion of many — when the association witnesses actions that could compromise public safety, we have a duty to act, to respond, and to take a clear stand,” he said.

He also believes that this has helped raise awareness of the college’s purpose, one of his key priorities.

In recent years, the college has, among other things, spoken out in favour of phasing out polluting anesthetic gases in health-care facilities and opposed the environmental exemptions granted to the Horne Smelter.

“I’m pretty proud of that. We’ve done the same for other societal issues,” said Gaudreault.

Gaudreault’s presidency was also marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said this period accelerated collaboration with other professional associations.

The expansion of professional roles continues to gain momentum today. Specialized nurse practitioners can see patients on their own and pharmacists have greater autonomy in treating various conditions.

Gaudreault said those changes faced some resistance from the medical community, mainly around whether other professionals had the necessary skills to administer this kind of care.

“Once competence has been demonstrated, it is well received,” said Gaudreault.

Nathalie Saad, a pulmonologist, has succeeded Gaudreault, becoming the first female president of the Quebec college.

During her term, she said she plans to focus her efforts on issues surrounding the aging population, primary care and access to health care.

—

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 5, 2026.

Katrine Desautels, The Canadian Press