Quebec City, 11 June 2026 — The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec—FIQ has just held a visibility action near the National Assembly to raise awareness among elected officials to the urgent need for the fast implementation of safe ratios in the health network and to secure a firm commitment from them in this regard. The Federation’s union representatives gave the MNAs an information kit with data from the field, testimonials and concrete solutions for improving the organization of care and better protecting both the patients and caregiving personnel. Through this initiative, the FIQ hopes to make safe ratios a key issue in the upcoming election campaign and to prompt political parties to take a clear stance on the matter.

For the Federation, the evidence is clear: across Québec, healthcare professionals are facing a significant work overload, which directly compromises the quality and safety of the care provided to the public, as they lack the time to practise to the highest standards. “Healthcare professionals are expected to be ever more agile, efficient and silent… but without any additional resources. This approach leads straight to burnout, loss of expertise and a decline in the quality of care”, says the president of the FIQ, Julie Bouchard.

From the Laurentians, to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, from the Montérégie to the Eastern Townships, via Montréal, Lanaudière, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec, the picture is the same: long-term contingency plans, systematically not replacing absent staff, a chronic work overload, patient numbers that are too high (particularly in CHSLDs emergencies, mental health and home care) as well as healthcare professionals being forced to forgo their breaks and meals. Added to this is a growing fear of speaking out and a loss of trust in managers who keep making reassuring statements without delivering results.

In several settings, members are mobilizing: petitions, posters, complaints under an Act respecting occupational health and safety, demonstrations, data collection and public appearances. These actions have sometimes led to targeted gains — essential equipment,  organizational adjustments, recognition of the real problems — but, too often, an increase in staff is not in the cards. “Care teams are not fooled. They hear the promises, but they experience the reality in the field. And that reality, is an organization of work system that is no longer sustainable. Management are well aware of the situation but continue to turn a deaf ear. There is an urgent need to shift towards safe ratios that ensure an adequate number of patients per healthcare professional”, emphasized Ms. Bouchard.

Elsewhere in Canada: the shift towards ratios is well underway

Experiences elsewhere in Canada show that introducing safe ratios yields tangible results: in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, we see better staff retention, linked to a more sustainable workload, and an improvement in quality of care. In Manitoba, the government has initiated a legislative process to regulate these ratios, while in Ontario, several studies recommend their adoption due to their positive impact on patient safety and the reduction of burnout.

These findings confirm that ratios are a proven solution for strengthening the public health network, as has long been demonstrated in California and several Australian states. In this context, the FIQ asks: why is Québec still dragging its feet on implementing safe ratios, even though their benefits are widely recognized?

The FIQ is therefore appealing directly to the candidates hoping to form the next government, as well as to Santé Québec. “Care cannot rely solely on the goodwill and sacrifice of healthcare professionals. Concrete commitments are needed, as are sufficient staff, safe organization of work and genuine respect for clinical expertise,” concluded the union leader.