February 6, 2018

Following a meeting with Health Minister, Gaétan Barrette, FIQ President Nancy Bédard described their discussion as frank and to the point. “Healthcare professionals’ have reached a point of no return. They’re angry and frustrated and have decided they can’t stay quiet any longer. They will denounce unacceptable situations that compromise the quality of patient care. We explained to the Minister that the outcry won’t stop until we see major change,” said Ms. Bédard.

Mandatory overtime

We asked the Minister to take strong action in institutions to curb their use of mandatory overtime. “Many institutions use mandatory overtime as a management method and integrate it into their workforce planning—it needs to stop,” said Ms. Bédard.

Ratios

Over the last few days, the Minister repeatedly brought up the fact that at the last negotiations, the FIQ sealed a historical agreement on ratios and on an increase in full-time positions. And yet, two years later, there’s nothing to show for it. The FIQ asked the Health Minister to speed up matters on ratios and make a concrete proposal for all regions. We want serious projects proposed at the joint-committee. After two years, it’s time for the government to put something real on the table.

Full-time positions

As for the increase in full-time positions, we have been asking employers for months for the information we need to set things in motion. Institutions provided us with some data, but it’s either incomplete or riddled with mistakes. “The Minister has work to do. He needs to make swift strides on the ratios. He also has to convince all the health institution managers to do serious work on increasing full-time jobs and stabilizing care teams. We’re ready to cooperate but we’re not willing to accept temporary measures and good intentions.”

Moreover, the FIQ President said that she would like to meet all political parties “to tell them how care provision is organized in Quebec.”