Lionel Carmant has decided to step down from his role as the social services minister in the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government and will now serve as an Independent member. This move, announced during a joint press conference with Premier François Legault, was described by Carmant as a tough and emotional choice driven by a need to prioritize his family over his political responsibilities.
In light of Carmant’s decision, Sonia Bélanger, who currently oversees housing affairs, will take over as the new social services minister, also assuming responsibility for seniors. Concurrently, Caroline Proulx, previously in charge of seniors, will now handle housing-related matters.
Carmant’s resignation follows his daughter’s public letter and coincides with a legal challenge mounted by Quebec doctors against Bill 2, a contentious law regulating doctors’ salaries. This challenge, initiated by the federation representing medical specialists in Quebec, argues that Bill 2 infringes on various charter rights and seeks immediate suspension of its most burdensome provisions.
Amidst growing discontent within the medical community and concerns about doctors leaving Quebec, including Carmant’s daughter, who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine, the health minister faced mounting pressure. In her letter published in Le Devoir, Laurence Carmant indicated that she may relocate to another province if the government fails to address her concerns regarding professional practice freedom.
During his announcement, Carmant emphasized that his decision was not a resignation but a deliberate choice to prioritize family obligations over political commitments, highlighting the importance of balance, transparency, and personal integrity in public service. Although he did not directly address his daughter’s letter during the press conference, Carmant’s departure was acknowledged by fellow ministers as a loss for the government.
Opposition figures, including Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and Quebec Liberal Party health critic Marc Tanguay, recognized the significance of Carmant’s daughter’s letter as a poignant message to the government. Québec Solidaire MNA Manon Massé lamented Carmant’s departure, expressing sadness at the loss of an esteemed colleague and the challenges faced by his family.
Carmant, a former pediatric neurologist at CHU Sainte-Justine, who transitioned to politics in 2018 as the member for Taillon, expressed difficulty in leaving behind his passionate projects. Premier Legault commended Carmant for his contributions and expressed gratitude for his service in the government.