On July 23, 2026, Quebec's emergency room pressures showed signs of easing over the course of the day. According to historical data from urgencesquebec.com, the total number of patients waiting in ERs dropped from an early high of 1,593 down to 1,486, while overall stretcher occupancy improved from 91% to 82%. Compared to ten days prior (July 14), the total number of waiting patients rose slightly by 35, though stretcher occupancy registered a favorable 15 percentage point decrease from 97%.
Severe localized congestion persists in specific regions. Laval registered a critical 145% stretcher occupancy rate, driven by Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé where 58 patients are currently waiting. Laurentides (119%) and Montréal (116%) also remain heavily overburdened, with Montréal's Jewish General Hospital reporting a staggering 198% stretcher occupancy. Conversely, Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec reported empty waiting rooms and 0% stretcher occupancy across its eight facilities.