Québec City, 1 October 2026 — La Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec—FIQ welcomes professional orders in the health and social services sector’s stance, demanding concrete actions to end the violence and bullying in healthcare settings. The FIQ believes it is time to acknowledge the healthcare professionals’ daily reality: being bullied or subjected to violence is not part of the job.

“When a professional goes to work, she should be able to think about giving care, not wondering if she will be insulted, threatened or attacked. We cannot expect our healthcare professionals to simply put up with it. They are entitled to a safe work environment, like any other worker”, states Julie Bouchard, President of the FIQ.

Violence takes many forms: insults, threats, bullying, physical assaults or hateful behaviour. Behind these situations are healthcare professionals who may be afraid, injured or deeply shaken. And, when a worker doesn’t feel safe, the quality and continuity of care suffers.

The FIQ believes that it is not enough to better manage situations of violence when they arise. We must also address the conditions in which they develop. An overcrowded emergency room, endless waiting times, unsuitable premises, understaffing, or a professional left to deal with a difficult situation on their own can increase the risks.

“Nothing justifies violence, but if we really want to prevent it, we have to look at what is happening in the field. A team that is completely exhausted is less able to defuse a situation, respond quickly or ensure everyone’s safety. Prevention therefore also depends on having sufficient staff and safe organization of work”, added the union leader.

The FIQ calls on the next government and Santé Québec to shift from identifying problems to actions and make prevention of violence a real occupational health and safety priority. This means suitable measures for at-risk settings, better training and more support for teams, as well as effective mechanisms for reporting hazardous situations and implementing corrective measures.

“Healthcare professionals know the risks. They have denounced and reported them for years. Now, we must listen to them and take action before any more workers are injured. Protecting those who provide care also protects the patients and our public health network”, concluded Julie Bouchard.

Renseignements :

Philippe Desjardins
581 995-0762