Quebec City, 26 May 2025 —

The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ is outraged to learn that it has been excluded from the special consultations and public hearings on Bill 101, An Act to improve certain labour laws. For the FIQ, this exclusion is not only unjustifiable, but downright discriminatory.

With more than 80,000 members, the FIQ is the largest union organization in the health care network, a sector that alone represents the largest item in the Quebec government’s budget. Furthermore, the FIQ represents almost exclusively women. Excluding it from a major labour law reform that directly affects the working conditions of women in public networks raises serious questions about the government’s real intentions.

“The message is clear: the government does not want to listen to those who are keeping the healthcare network afloat. This shows total disregard for the reality of healthcare professionals and is a slap in the face for all public sector workers,” said Isabelle Groulx, vice-president of the FIQ.

Bill 101 directly attacks occupational health and safety prevention mechanisms in the healthcare and education sectors, which are overwhelmingly female work environments. By weakening the powers of health and safety committees and concentrating decision-making in the hands of employers, the government is taking a step backwards several decades in terms of protecting workers.

In 2023, the health and social assistance sector alone accounted for one-third of all compensated workplace injuries in Quebec, despite representing only 13.6% of total employment. This overwhelming imbalance alone illustrates the gravity of the situation. “By removing essential protections and denying us a voice in this debate, the government is doubly silencing us: silencing us on our working conditions and silencing us on our right to defend them,” added Ms. Groulx.

The FIQ demands that Labour Minister Jean Boulet immediately correct this shameful exclusion and formally invite it to present its brief. Labour law cannot be reformed without hearing from those who experience its shortcomings on a daily basis.

“Excluding the FIQ from these consultations means ignoring the realities experienced by tens of thousands of women in the healthcare system. Worse still, by weakening health and safety protections in predominantly female sectors, the government is condoning deep-rooted systemic inequalities. It is unthinkable that in 2025, we will still be legislating at the expense of women without giving them a say,” concluded the vice-president.

About the FIQ 

The FIQ has more than 80,000 members, including nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists working in health care institutions across Quebec. It is a feminist organization, composed of nearly 90% women, dedicated to defending its members, as well as patients and the public health care system.

More information:

Philippe Desjardins
581 995-0762