May 4, 2021

The Estates General on the nursing profession will be held on May 20 and 21. Initiated by the OIIQ (Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec), in the last several weeks over 58 notices, 42 briefs, and hundreds of comments have been sent to the designated commissioners. And so, bolstered by the perspectives of hundreds of organizations and individuals from all over, in a few weeks we will continue discussions virtually. We hope they will unearth joint solutions we can set in motion as much in care settings as in positions of power in the health and social services network (RSSS) to expand the knowledge and recognition of nursing expertise.

Needless to say, our organization is closely following this important event. Having always been an essential voice on issues and debates around Quebec’s nursing practice, we intend to speak loud and strong at the Estates General. We are going to make sure that the groups there understand the reality in the field and confirm that the past will not dictate the future.

While it is a great thing that the Estates General will be held (it’s been 25 years since the last one) and that it is an opportunity to look to the future, we must keep in mind that, first and foremost, it must focus on strengthening the foundations of the nursing profession. More than anyone else, the tens of thousands of nurses in the health network have seen their practice stagnate over the past several years, while suffering the consequences of many reforms and poor political and management decisions. Moreover, it must be noted that this important event will be held during a worldwide pandemic, a health crisis. This unprecedented situation has not only been extremely difficult for healthcare professionals, including nurses, but it has deeply affected their vision and commitment to their profession. It would be a big mistake to disregard this period and not take the time to find our bearings in a health network that is topsy-turvy.

That said, the FIQ and FIQP submitted a brief in light of the event on May 20 and 21. Over the next three weeks, we will highlight different important aspects of the brief on our website. Our analysis echoes three main themes: the disengagement of decision-makers in deploying nursing roles, the excessive culture of control that creates endless obstacles in nursing, and the importance of creating solid foundations to enable future progress.

Enabling nurses to take their place, further develop, and remain healthy will take major changes in the health network. What is the current situation and what are our solutions? We will answer these questions over the coming weeks.

Nurses from all public and private subsidized institutions keep your eyes open because, ultimately, this is all about you and your future.