In a significant development for Prince Edward Island’s healthcare system, mediation between family physicians and Health PEI is set to begin this week, potentially easing tensions that have simmered for months. The Medical Society of PEI confirmed Monday that talks will commence Thursday, marking a crucial step toward resolving the ongoing dispute over compensation and working conditions that has threatened to disrupt patient care across the province.
“This mediation represents a critical opportunity to bridge the considerable gap between what family physicians need to sustain their practices and what the province has been willing to offer,” said Dr. Krista Cassell, president of the Medical Society of PEI, speaking from her Charlottetown office.
The dispute stems from physicians’ concerns about the sustainability of family practices under current fee structures. Many doctors have warned that without adequate compensation adjustments, they may be forced to reduce services or leave the province entirely—a troubling prospect for an island already grappling with physician shortages and lengthy patient waitlists.
Dr. Cassell emphasized that family physicians have been operating in increasingly challenging circumstances. “Our members have been clear that the current model isn’t working. We’re seeing burnout rates climb while recruitment becomes more difficult. Something has to change,” she told CO24 News.
Health PEI has maintained that it values the contribution of family physicians but must balance compensation demands with fiscal realities. In a statement released last week, the health authority noted: “We remain committed to finding a solution that recognizes the essential role of family physicians while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our healthcare system.”
The dispute reached a critical point in April when 92% of family physicians voted in favor of job action if negotiations failed to produce satisfactory results. While that action has been temporarily forestalled by the mediation process, it remains a possibility if talks break down.
Provincial Health Minister Mark McLane, speaking to reporters outside the legislature, expressed cautious optimism about the mediation. “We understand the concerns raised by our doctors, and we’re entering these discussions in good faith. Our shared goal is ensuring Islanders maintain access to quality primary care,” he said.
For PEI residents, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With approximately 27,000 Islanders currently lacking a family doctor—nearly 16% of the population—any disruption to existing services could exacerbate an already challenging situation for Canada’s healthcare system.
Patient advocacy groups have been monitoring the situation closely. “Many Islanders are caught in the middle of this dispute,” said Ellen Thompson of the PEI Patient Coalition. “We’re hopeful that both sides will recognize the human impact of this standoff and find common ground quickly.”
The mediation will be conducted by experienced healthcare mediator Robert Breen, who has successfully resolved similar disputes in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Both sides have agreed to a media blackout during the proceedings, which are expected to last several days.
Healthcare economist Dr. Michael Wolfson of the University of Ottawa notes that PEI’s challenges mirror broader trends across the country. “We’re seeing similar tensions in several provinces as the traditional fee-for-service model struggles to adapt to changing patient needs and physician expectations,” he told CO24 Business.
As Thursday approaches, both physicians and government officials are preparing their positions. The Medical Society has indicated it will enter mediation with a comprehensive proposal that addresses not only compensation but also administrative burdens and practice support.
As this pivotal mediation begins, the question remains: can PEI find an innovative solution that satisfies physicians’ needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility, or will this dispute mark the beginning of a more fundamental restructuring of how primary care is delivered on the Island?
