Main navigation

Life in Quebec

Finding a family doctor in Quebec may take time. Ask around to friends, family, or colleagues to see if they have any leads on doctors accepting new patients. In the meantime, follow the steps for . You can still have access to medical care via . Wait times at the clinic may be several hours, so be prepared to be patient, as this is the current reality of the medical system in Quebec.
The Government of Canada has information on , which has a few important recommendations:
- No more than a 90-day supply of medication can be brought into Canada
- Bring an original prescription with you, with both the generic and trade names clearly identified. A doctor鈥檚 note outlining why you take the medication is also recommended.
- Travel with medication in their original, labelled containers
- If your medication is on the , this means that your medication requires a prescription in Canada. In order to get this medication from the pharmacy, you will need a prescription from a Canadian physician who can prescribe that medication in Quebec. Before you leave your country of origin, request a copy of all your prescriptions from your attending physician, so that you can bring it to an appointment, and have a Canadian physician write you a prescription. For more information on this topic, see here: (French only).
- More information on
McGill鈥檚 supplemental health and dental plans

Obtain a from the Soci茅t茅 d鈥檃ssurance automobile de Quebec (SAAQ). This permit is required to park in any designated accessible parking spots in the province.
If you will be using a personal vehicle to travel to campus, for disability-related reasons, you may be eligible for a subsidized parking permit for on-campus parking. You will be assigned a parking permit close to your area of work on campus. This program is administered by the Human Resources 鈥� Disability Management team. For information on how to apply, you can consult HR鈥檚 website: Parking Services for employees with disabilities.
Additional information:
- : view the accessible parking spots maintained by the City of Montreal. These parking spots require the SAAQ issued permit. This website also has information on how you can request an accessible parking spot near your place of work or residence.
- On-campus accessible parking spots: view the Google map created by Parking Services

Montreal is regularly updating its public transit infrastructure鈥檚 accessibility, and there are several options to get around town:
: this is Montreal鈥檚 public transit authority, and manages Montreal鈥檚 main network of buses and metros. Their website has information on what metro stations and bus stops are wheelchair accessible, updates on elevator access to the metro stations, and other accessibility information.
The STM also has a service. More information on eligibility, scheduling and fares are available on their site.
For information on on-campus Adapted transportation, see the section under Campus Life.

A couple of resources are available to help you and your family鈥檚 search for accessible housing in Montreal:
- The Government of Quebec鈥檚 Societe d鈥檋abitation offers a where eligible persons can receive financial assistance to retrofit or adapt their home

Office des personnes handicaps du Quebec has published a
The Federation des comites de parents du Quebec have published a
Children with serious learning disabilities may receive , according to the guidelines set out by the Ministere de l鈥檈ducation et de l鈥檈nseignement superieure
Montreal School boards: Disability information
- Lester-B. Pearson School Board
- for children with disabilities:

helps people find community and social resources. They operate a phone line and a webpage聽and offer keyword searches to help you find the organizations that fit what you and your family is looking for.
. AMEIPH鈥檚 mission is to contribute to the development of the full potential and empowerment of people with disabilities from immigrant backgrounds and their families, by promoting their inclusion in the host society.

Back to top