Frédéric Abergel, executive vice-president of operations and transformation at Santé Québec, was dismissed just three months after the agency's launch on December 1, 2024. The announcement was made on March 3, 2025, by Geneviève Biron, the president and CEO of Santé Québec, through a press release detailing the changes to the agency's executive team.
According to Biron, Abergel's termination followed her assessment of leadership dynamics and operational effectiveness within the executive team. "After some months of operation, I made certain observations which lead me to make changes within the executive team to bring it even closer to the field," she stated. Her remarks suggest the need for enhanced direct engagement with operational issues, indicating Abergel's role did not meet these needs.
Abergel had previously served as the CEO of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and brought considerable experience to his role at Santé Québec. His appointment on April 29, 2024, had been celebrated as part of the new leadership duo alongside Biron, aimed at merging private sector acumen with public health expertise.
The swift dismissal has raised eyebrows among stakeholders, especially since the duo was portrayed as complementary to one another. Health Minister Christian Dubé, who initially presented Abergel and Biron as a dynamic pair capable of reshaping Quebec's healthcare system, expressed confidence in the independence of Santé Québec to make such decisions. He remarked, "This decision falls under Santé Québec, which is an autonomous and independent state corporation," reinforcing the notion of the board's power over executive choices.
While no single incident precipitated Abergel’s dismissal, sources indicate his administrative style was increasingly seen as conflicting with Biron's approach. She emphasized the necessity for direct oversight during crises, referencing the recent emergency situations within the healthcare framework, such as the reported closure of emergency service stretchers at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont due to staffing shortages. Biron was noted to have convened meetings with staff the day after to address the crisis, contrasting this with Abergel's oversight.
Insider reports suggest tensions had been brewing between Abergel and various stakeholders, including some of the institution’s directors and even within the government. Abergel’s advocacy for granting more autonomy to the health establishments somewhat conflicted with Biron’s desire to standardize practices and responses across the network of nearly 30 healthcare facilities.
The leadership change raises questions about the future direction of Santé Québec. How the new appointments will shape operational efficiency remains to be seen, though Biron indicated her intent to oversee operations directly until interim candidates are appointed. "I will begin the analysis of candidates who can bring their knowledge and skills to serve the population," she mentioned.
Reaction from various quarters has been mixed, with some seeing Abergel's termination as surprising, as noted by PQ deputy Joël Arseneau. He suggested Abergel's presence had provided reassurance to those working within public health, acting as proof of the government's commitment to valuing seasoned professionals. He commented, "It was surprising... he was somewhat the government’s assurance of recognizing long-standing public service contributions."
With the board's approval of Biron's decision, the next steps for Santé Québec will be closely monitored by those invested in the province's healthcare delivery. Following Abergel's departure, the opportunity arises for new leadership to potentially revitalize operational strategies within this fledgling agency.