As of March 31, 2026, Quebec’s emergency departments are experiencing significant strain, with an average stretcher occupancy of 94% across 116 facilities. While current numbers show a slight improvement from the morning high of 97%, the provincial situation has deteriorated compared to three days ago. Since March 29, the number of patients waiting for care has increased by 291, and the overall stretcher occupancy has risen by a notable 14 percentage points, highlighting a tightening of hospital capacity across the network.
Critically high occupancy levels are concentrated in Laval, Chaudière-Appalaches, and Montérégie, which are all operating well above 130% stretcher capacity. Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé is currently the most burdened facility in the province, reporting 52 patients waiting and a staggering 178% stretcher occupancy rate. In contrast, Northern Quebec remains stable, while major urban centers like Montréal and the Laurentides continue to navigate saturation levels of 120%.