FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 15, 2025

Statement from Matt MacFarlane on MSPEI entering mediation with Health PEI regarding new policy for family doctors

Charlottetown, PE – Today we learned that the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island (MSPEI) is entering mediation with Health PEI regarding government’s new policy for family doctors. The draft policy, which includes requirements for family doctors to carry a patient panel of 1,600 and keep patient appointments to 15 minutes each, is both damaging and disrespectful to Island doctors and all Island patients.

While I am pleased that Health PEI is now willing to meet with family doctors, this news comes after weeks of Minister of Health Mark McLane and Premier Rob Lantz avoiding accountability for this disastrous approach. The actions of the Minister, Premier and Health PEI CEO put our Island healthcare system at risk, and have done great damage to how family doctors feel about practicing on PEI. Already this draft policy caused Island medical residents to decide to leave PEI and practice elsewhere.

I am also disappointed with the misleading and untrue comments that have been made regarding the draft policy by both government members and Health PEI officials. In order for this mediation to truly be successful, this government must approach these discussions in good faith and truly collaborate with family doctors in order to ensure Islanders get the best quality care.

Islanders will be following this process closely, and will expect results from government that respect doctors and put patient care at the forefront.

Matt MacFarlane
Leader of the Green Party of PEI
MLA Borden-Kinkora

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca