Quebec Microbiologists warn of public health risks as oversight request is stalled

Tashi Farmilo

The Association des microbiologistes du Québec (AMQ) is raising concerns about serious public health risks after their request to be officially regulated under a professional order was suspended by the Office des professions du Québec. The AMQ has been advocating for years for microbiologists to be included in Quebec’s professional regulatory system, which would establish formal oversight to ensure microbiologists meet high professional standards and protect public safety.

The suspension, according to the Office des professions, was due to a backlog of similar requests for professional regulation across various fields. However, no timeline or indication of when the request might be revisited was provided, leaving microbiologists without the regulatory framework they argue is essential for their field.

“We deeply regret this suspension, which adds to a long-standing lack of political ambition toward our cause,” said Marc Hamilton, president of the AMQ. “Without professional oversight, we’re leaving critical sectors vulnerable, and the public is at risk.” Microbiologists play a key role in fields such as healthcare, food safety, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceuticals. “Risks to public health can range from improper handling of infections in hospitals to contamination in food production,” Hamilton explained. The AMQ outlined 27 specific areas where they believe the lack of regulation could lead to serious public safety issues, including failures in infection control and hazards in food safety and pharmaceutical production.

The AMQ’s request for regulation is aimed at bringing microbiologists under a professional order—like doctors, nurses, and engineers—which would require members to adhere to strict standards of competence and ethics. Currently, no such formal oversight exists for microbiologists in Quebec, meaning there is no external body to ensure their qualifications and practices meet the necessary standards to protect public health.

In addition to the suspension of their request for regulation, the AMQ was excluded from consultations on Bill 67, a proposed law aimed at modernizing Quebec’s professional system, particularly in health and social services. This exclusion, despite formal requests to participate, has further frustrated the AMQ. “It’s incredibly disappointing to be left out, especially when Bill 67 addresses areas where microbiologists play such an essential role,” Hamilton said. He added that the legislation could benefit from the expertise of microbiologists, who are critical in preventing infectious diseases, ensuring environmental safety, and maintaining food quality.

Despite these setbacks, the AMQ has received strong public and political support. A recent CROP poll showed that eight in ten Quebecers support integrating microbiologists into a professional order. “The public recognizes the value we bring to ensuring health and safety,” said Julien Nelson, an AMQ representative. “We’ve also received unanimous backing from the opposition parties in the National Assembly, which strengthens our position.”

Looking forward, the AMQ remains committed to continuing its dialogue with the government, particularly with Sonia LeBel, the minister responsible for professional affairs. “Our goal is to protect the public, and that means ensuring that microbiologists are held to the highest professional standards,” Nelson said. The AMQ is pushing for reforms that would bring microbiologists under formal supervision, ensuring their work is properly regulated and that public safety is a priority.

The AMQ also hopes that Bill 67 could be a step toward broader recognition of the profession. “Microbiologists are key to preventing infectious diseases and ensuring food safety. We should be part of the modernization effort in Quebec,” Hamilton stated.