June 5, 2023

A few days ago, the big FIQ family lived an important moment that we would like to highlight together: the unions that have been affiliated with the FIQP since 2017 have been re-affiliated with the FIQ. You are therefore 80,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists from all work settings who today, once again, speak with a unified voice. 80,000 healthcare professionals within the FIQ organization. In the end, it’s a kind of return to our roots, which confirms the Federation’s significant bargaining power and true influence when it comes to defending its members.

On June 1, 2023, the FIQP and FIQ delegates met for two special conventions at which they ratified the admission of the unions representing private and private subsidized institutions to the FIQ. Behind this structure, which can seem complex, is first and foremost the desire to come together to better mobilize, defend our working conditions and ensure that our patients receive safe, quality care.

Even more so since there is much uncertainty in the health network. Minister Dubé’s Bill 15 hasn’t yet passed and we are already anticipating the tsunami it will set off. Let’s come together before the storm hits. After all, demands are the same in all workplaces and the negotiation issues couldn’t be clearer: it is urgent that we tackle the work overload, remuneration and work-personal life balance. It’s true everywhere!

Of course, each one of you is experiencing a different situation, based on your job title, geographic location and the mission you are working for.  The FIQ’s strength comes from having developed an expertise in efficiently defending you individually and collectively. Because your union representatives know you and your work environments. This is also true for the private and private subsidized sector. This is what gives our organization strong credibility.

Your union teams will continue to defend your rights and interests every day, as they always have. We would like to warmly thank the union representatives who have led the good fight at the FIQP over the years and who will continue to do so at the FIQ. Regardless of what politicians and columnists may say at times, defending workers’ rights is never useless or bothersome. It is work that is deeply human and that allows us to live together better.

To all the healthcare professionals who are members of the United Health Care Professionals (UHCP), the Alliance interprofessionnelle de Montréal (AIM), the Syndicat régional des professionnelles en soins du Québec (SRPSQ), the Syndicat des Professionnelles en soins de Québec (SPSQ), the Syndicat des salariées de la Coopérative de solidarité SABSA and the Syndicat des infirmières et infirmières auxiliaires du Centre Champlain de Gatineau, welcome to the FIQ!

Julie Bouchard, FIQ President, and Sonia Mancier, outgoing FIQP President