The 13^th FIQ convention will be a high point in our union life. It will take place in Quebec City from June 2 to 6. After years of major upheavals in health care, the theme is particularly apt:  Unwavering in the face of tomorrow’s challenges. Because the last few years have clearly shown that even in a climate fraught with obstacles, we remain united, resolute and determined.

The last four years have indeed been marked by major challenges: a pandemic that continues to drag on, difficult provincial negotiations, the Dubé reform… But these years have also been punctuated by significant advances and highlights: stronger mobilization, historic strike days, demonstrations of our collective strength in the field, the adoption of measures to phase out mandatory overtime, pay equity gains for SNPs, the signing of two new collective agreements, and pressure that led to a reform of the public sector negotiation process, to name just a few. In short, it has been an intense period, driven by the courage and collective strength of healthcare professionals.

An important democratic exercise

For the FIQ, the convention is a bit like a municipal, provincial or federal election: it allows delegates to elect the members of the Executive Committee and the statutory committees. But it goes even further.

Held once every four years over five days, the convention is an expression of the collective power of our organization. This is where we debate and decide on major political and union orientations, courses of action and priorities that will guide our work in the coming years. This meeting is particularly important because each affiliated union sends delegates, in greater numbers than to other decision-making bodies, making it a key opportunity to affirm our orientations. All job titles, centres of activities, care settings and shifts are represented.

The convention is the beating heart of union democracy at the FIQ.

This convention will therefore pave the way for collective reflection on the emerging challenges shaping our union reality. How can we tackle the rise of right-wing movements that are undermining our collective gains? How can we balance union involvement with the demands of everyday life to keep activism alive and inclusive? How can we prepare ourselves for the arrival of artificial intelligence in the healthcare network? And above all, what concrete steps can we take to ensure a sustainable, humane and accessible healthcare system? The discussions promise to be rich, informed by real-world experience and the commitment of healthcare professionals.

Highlights and main orientations from the convention will be shared on our social media networks. This is a way to keep everyone informed about the decisions and considerations that will guide our actions in the coming years.

This is only the beginning of a new phase in our collective battle. We are and will remain unwavering in the face of tomorrow’s challenges.