2026-09-01 — Daily report — Quebec ER pressures increase as provincial stretcher occupancy climbs to 87% with Laval hitting 173%.

Key Takeaways

•Quebec ERs recorded 1,161 patients waiting and an 87% average stretcher occupancy, representing an increase of 43 waiting patients and a 3 percentage point rise in stretcher occupancy compared to August 29.

•Critical overcrowding persists across multiple regions, with Laval leading at a staggering 173% stretcher occupancy, followed by Chaudière-Appalaches at 123% and Montréal at 121%.

•Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne in Montérégie was the busiest individual facility with 59 patients waiting, followed closely by Montréal's Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont with 43 waiting.

On September 1, 2026, emergency department pressure in Quebec continued to build compared to four days prior. According to historical data from urgencesquebec.com, the latest snapshot recorded 1,161 patients waiting in ERs and 3,525 patients registered overall, representing an increase of 43 waiting patients since August 29, 2026. The province-wide average stretcher occupancy rate reached 87%, up 3 percentage points from the previous comparison period.

Regionally, severe congestion was concentrated in major urban hubs and surrounding sectors. Laval reported a critical stretcher occupancy rate of 173% at its sole facility, while Chaudière-Appalaches (123%), Montréal (121%), and Laurentides (120%) also heavily exceeded their nominal stretcher capacities. Out of 120 active facilities, Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne in Montérégie emerged as the individual facility with the highest backlog, reporting 59 patients waiting to be seen.