Recommendations of an Independent Expert Committee for the Development of Quebec's First Government Policy on Primary Care.

Abstract

In January 2025, the Ministry of Health and Social Services commissioned an independent expert panel to make recommendations to guide the first government policy addressing the primary care crisis in Quebec. Conducted over a period of 4 months, this work combines a targeted literature review, 59 consultations with more than 200 stakeholders, and a provincial forum to develop recommendations grounded in evidence and local realities. Findings from the consultations revealed a fragmented, hospital-centred system characterized by inequitable access and insufficient continuity. The expert committee formulated six coherent and locally adaptable key recommendations aligned with international best practices. This provides a pragmatic and comprehensive roadmap to strengthen primary care in Quebec through interdisciplinary teams, territorial governance, protected and dedicated funding, data infrastructure, and user involvement. A concrete action plan is essential to achieve the proposed vision, which will require time, consistency, and structured planning.