As of April 29, 2026, Quebec's emergency departments are experiencing high pressure, with overall stretcher occupancy reaching 93%. Data from urgencesquebec.com indicates that while the number of patients waiting (1,227) is slightly lower than seven days ago, the total number of patients in ERs has increased by nearly 1,000 in the same period. This indicates a growing backlog within the system, particularly in urban zones where infrastructure is stretched beyond capacity.
Regional data highlights critical overcrowding in Montreal (120%), the Laurentides (127%), and Montérégie (128%). The most severe occupancy rates are found in Laval, where Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé is operating at 167% stretcher capacity, and Hôpital de Hull, which is at a staggering 204%. In contrast, northern regions like Nord-du-Québec remain relatively stable with only 25% occupancy.