On March 25, 2026, Quebec's emergency departments are experiencing high levels of congestion, with 4,453 patients currently in ERs and an overall stretcher occupancy rate of 95%. While the number of patients waiting to be seen has remained relatively stable compared to four days ago, the critical 18 percentage point increase in stretcher occupancy indicates a severe tightening of inpatient capacity across the network. Localized pressure is most evident in the Laurentides, Laval, and Montérégie regions, where occupancy rates have surpassed 140%.
The situation in Montérégie is particularly concerning, as three of its facilities—Pierre-Boucher, Haut-Richelieu, and Honoré-Mercier—rank among the top five busiest hospitals in the province. Although earlier snapshots today showed local occupancy peaking above 100%, the current latest average suggests a slight stabilization, yet major urban centers like Montréal remain saturated with a 115% stretcher occupancy rate and over 230 patients waiting.