Quebec City, 25 November 2025 — The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ will present its brief tomorrow as part of the special consultations on Bill 3, An Act to improve the transparency, governance and democratic process of various associations in the workplace. For the FIQ, this bill is part of a series of government initiatives aimed at weakening unions, even though they play an essential role in defending the rights of society as a whole and their autonomy is a pillar of Quebec democracy.

“Bill 3 doesn’t improve anything: it weakens union democracy, limits access to courts and attempts to silence those who defend workers. Democracy is not the government dictating how a union should operate — it is the members who decide. And we will not accept any breach of this principle”, stated Julie Bouchard, President of the FIQ.

The brief tabled by the FIQ demonstrates that the obligations in transparency and governance are already in place and the members have all the necessary tools to change their organization, if they so want. Instead, the bill introduces unjustified government interference that weakens unions financially, imposes inappropriate voting mechanisms and creates an artificial division of union dues, contrary to the very mission of unions.

“The FIQ union structures are already based on robust and recognized practices that are tailored to the realities of healthcare professionals. The bill imposes measures that are impossible to apply, including the requirement for voting to be over 24-hour periods on recurring decisions, as well as an arbitrary division of union dues that directly limits the ability of unions to challenge government laws and decisions that infringe on fundamental rights”, noted the union leader.

The FIQ recommends removing the obligation of voting over 24-hour periods, maintaining the current rules of transparency, and letting members decide the nature of accounting audits. She also proposes removing the distinction between “principal” and “optional” union dues.

“We call on the government to reconsider its positions and cease all interference in the internal affairs of organizations that defend workers. We also suggest it listen carefully to the proposals of these organizations and encourage genuine social dialogue, which is more necessary than ever”, concluded the president.

About the FIQ

Created in 1987, the FIQ represents nearly 90,000 healthcare professionals (nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists) working in the healthcare institutions across Québec. The FIQ is a feminist organization composed of nearly 90% women, dedicated to defending its members, while ensuring the quality of care offered to the public and the sustainability of the public health network.