Our history

Formation

All physicians holding specialists' certificates in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics/Gynecology from the Collège des médecins du Québec are members of our Association. It was officially founded in 1966, following the consolidation of various groups of obstetricians and gynecologists in Quebec. In its constitution, the AOGQ is defined as a group of people forming an association under the Professional Syndicates Act of Quebec.
Its creation became necessary upon the introduction of the provincial health insurance plan. At that time, all physicians practicing in Quebec were required to bill the Régie d'assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for their medical procedures. All obstetricians and gynecologists in Quebec, of necessity, became members of their Association, since their union dues were deducted at source by the RAMQ in accordance with the Rand Formula.

The value of every procedure performed during medical practice had to be defined. The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec was therefore created to represent the 28 or so specialties recognized by the College at that time. There are now 35 specialties.

Political Context

Shortly after the birth of our Association, however, political difficulties arose. We were in October 1970, when the people of Quebec were reeling under the shock of the FLQ crisis and the assassination of Pierre Laporte. The provincial health insurance plan as we know it today was scheduled to come into effect in November 1970. An agreement on fee structures was to be negotiated by the Federation since the Ministry of Health and Social Services intended to impose its own fee structure. It was therefore decided that all physicians would withdraw their services as of October 1, with some hospitals remaining open so that medical specialists were available to cover emergencies.

Faced with this resistance, the Minister at that time, Jean Castonguay, tabled a special bill which required all specialists to return to duty as of November 1. If they refused to comply, they were liable to have their property and bank accounts seized. A special committee was formed, which had the power to monitor any resistance and take the measures necessary to force recalcitrant physicians back to work.

In view of this action, the Federation decreed a return to medical practice. On November 15, 1970, we went back to our usual activities. A comprehensive document was tabled which set arbitrary fees for each medical and surgical procedure performed.