On September 24, 2024, Ombudsperson Marc-André Dowd sent a letter to the Committee on Institutions. In it, he commented on Bill 67 - Act to amend the Professional Code for the modernization of the professional system and to broaden certain professional practices in the field of health and social services.
The Ombudsperson applauds this Bill. Its adoption will not only optimize the operation of front-line healthcare, but also enable mental health diagnoses to be made more quickly.
However, Mr. Dowd wishes to point out that his institution can demand any document or information it deems necessary to carry out its investigations. Once the Bill is passed, the Commissaire à l’admission aux professions will still have to comply with this requirement. To prevent any confusion in this regard, the Ombudsperson recommended that the Bill be clarified.
Lastly, Mr. Dowd drew a parallel between Bill 67 and Bill 32. Both would amend the Professional Code to help implement the Viens Commission's Call for Action No. 106. As the Ombudsperson sees it, what matters here is not the legislative vehicle, but the urgency to act.
