The best team, that’s us!
A recent study published by the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives revealed that “For the vast majority of the Canadian population, public services are definitely the best deal out there. The income taxes paid by Canadians contribute substantially to their standard of living by providing them with some of the best public services in the world.”
This statement clearly contradicts what the believers in neoliberalism spread around on the subject of public services. The Quebec government who follows this neoliberal line of thinking, has initiated a move towards privatization of these services under the pretext that it is more efficient, effective and reduces costs. They stubbornly want to carry out large projects of public-private partnerships (PPP), among others, while the private sector demands that the government assume the financial risks at the same time having no control over the costs. This method, in addition to committing public funds, particularly in the health-care sector, in no way guarantees an improvement in accessibility and quality of services offered to the people of Quebec.
Why insist on changing “some of the best public services in the world” if not to favour private interests to the detriment of collective interests?
The facts prove that public services in Quebec have nothing to envy about the private sector. They are among the best in the world, thanks to civil servants that are competent, proficient and dedicated. Even if the huge turmoil over the last few years in the health-care network has not given care professionals any respite, they have managed to maintain the same unfailing commitment to the public and they have put their know-how to use in order to offer quality healthcare to all.
The FIQ, who represents the majority of care professionals in Quebec, will celebrate Health Month in May, under the theme, The Best Team, that’s us! The FIQ will take this opportunity to say loud and clear that nursing assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists and perfusionists working in the public sector make up the best team for insuring the best public services for the people of Quebec, one place where living conditions are the most enviable.
In solidarity,