Jean-Claude Méthot, the owner of a unique gift shop in Percé, Quebec, extends well wishes to visitors exploring the autumn beauty of the Gaspé peninsula. However, his primary concern now revolves around the well-being of residents in the absence of their sole family doctor. The local CLSC doctor announced his leave on September 5 due to being overworked, leaving his 600 patients in need of healthcare services outside of Percé.
Méthot highlighted the challenges faced by the town’s aging population, many of whom lack transportation, forcing them to travel to neighboring towns like Chandler, 45 kilometers away. These staffing shortages have led to prolonged travel times and increased expenses, raising concerns among Gaspesians ahead of the upcoming election on October 5, especially for pregnant women nearing their due dates.
The scarcity of medical staff has resulted in service reductions in obstetrics departments in areas like Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, requiring some women to relocate days before delivery to be closer to medical facilities. Léa Blouin-Rodrigue, a project manager at La Table de concertation féministe Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, emphasized the difficult decisions women face due to these shortages, including the need to induce labor early to avoid complications.
The Gaspé region has been grappling with healthcare challenges, with the obstetrics department at the Gaspé hospital reducing its operating hours recently. In 2025, the Haute-Gaspésie region, including Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, experienced a total of 133 days without obstetrics services, according to the regional health authority.
To improve healthcare in the region, Blouin-Rodrigue stressed the importance of addressing issues such as affordable housing and daycare services to attract and retain healthcare workers from other regions. She emphasized that access to healthcare close to home is a fundamental human right that must be upheld.
During a recent leaders’ debate, party leaders were questioned about addressing understaffed obstetrics departments in locations like Lac-Mégantic, La Tuque, and Val-d’Or. Each leader proposed varying solutions, including hiring more doctors, digitizing the health system, and decentralizing decision-making to anticipate staffing issues.
Community groups like CASA in New Carlisle play a crucial role in supporting individuals navigating the healthcare system, ensuring they receive proper guidance and translation services during medical visits. These groups have been advocating for increased funding to address gaps in healthcare services and support vulnerable populations effectively.
Lisa McDavid, a New Carlisle resident, shared her experience of receiving vital support from CASA during her cancer treatment, underscoring the importance of such services in overcoming healthcare challenges. Despite the assistance, McDavid highlighted the struggles faced by individuals like her, urging political leaders to better understand and address the real-life hardships faced by residents in accessing adequate healthcare services.
