ONTARIO HEALTHCARE | STATUS UPDATE
Dear residents,
On February 6, 2026, the CISSS de l'Abitibi‑Témiscamingue sent an official letter to physicians practicing in Ontario who had already received an initial communication in June 2025 regarding access to care for our population.
This new correspondence now confirms the implementation of a clear and active transitional measure, which came into effect on January 27, 2026.
In practical terms, the CISSS:
- provides billing support for physicians
- compensates for fee differences between Quebec and Ontario
- reduces administrative barriers for patients
Concretely, residents of Témiscaming, Kipawa, and Kebaowek First Nation will be able to obtain an official CISSS document to present during a medical consultation in Ontario, confirming that fees will be covered.
An important note: the management of the North Bay Regional Health Centre has also been formally notified of this measure, helping to strengthen collaboration with Ontario health care facilities.
This is a concrete step forward.
This is long-awaited progress.
And it is the result of sustained efforts to defend our right to accessible care, close to home.
We hope this solution will quickly allow more families to regain simple, humane, and efficient access to medical services.
On our end, discussions continue actively with political authorities to secure a permanent, comprehensive, and lasting agreement for our region.
Because in Temiscamingue,
access to health care should never depend on a postal code.
Alain Gauthier
Mayor of Temiscaming
