After more than 10 years of advocacy by the FIQ, nurse clinician specialists (CNSs) in infection prevention and control will officially be moved to ranking 25,* a salary recognition that better reflects the complexity and expertise of their role. This change will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will be applied retroactively back to January 1, 2021.

This increase stems from an agreement reached between the FIQ, other healthcare unions, the Conseil du trésor and the Comité patronal de négociation du secteur de la santé et des services sociaux (CPNSSS).

When the CNS job title was created in 2012, it was temporarily ranked 24, which the FIQ deemed inadequate given the responsibilities and expertise required. Representing the majority of nurses in this role, the FIQ has fought for better recognition since the start.

CNSs hold specialized certificates from the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) and have completed graduate-level training in infection prevention and control. They also have in-depth clinical expertise in this field.

Affected CNSs can contact their union representative for any questions about how this change will be implemented.

*“Rankings” are used in the public sector to determine salary scales. This change officially recognizes the value of CNSs’ work by increasing their pay.