Quebec City, le 14 January 2026 — The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ is responding to the announcement of Premier François Legault’s resignation by pointing out that his term in office has left the public health network in a critical state and healthcare professionals exhausted.

“François Legault has left staff and the public to bear the consequences of his inaction, prioritizing populist rhetoric over taking action where the need is most pressing. Overcrowded emergency rooms, exhausted staff and dilapidated infrastructure were not accidents, but the result of reactive management and a persistent lack of planning,” denounced Julie Bouchard, FIQ President.

While it is too early to draw up a full assessment, one thing is clear: public services were never really at the top of François Legault’s priorities. The economy may be important, but when the population does not have access to functional health and education systems, everything else loses its value.

The FIQ urges the interim government and Santé Québec not to repeat the same mistakes. It calls for the immediate introduction of safe ratios, proper planning for peak periods with sufficient staff, sustainable improvements in working conditions, and major investment in emergency services and infrastructure modernization. Finally, it calls for management to refocus on clinical judgement and public protection rather than on administrative indicators.

“Quebec has the means to provide humane, safe and accessible care. What is lacking is not the professionalism or commitment of healthcare professionals, but the political will to make responsible and courageous choices in the face of this crisis. For too long, Mr. Legault has sought to manage healthcare like a business, with administrative indicators and symbolic projects rather than concrete measures to protect patients and support staff. We hope that Mr. Legault’s successor will be able to make the necessary decisions to bring about concrete improvements to the public network,” concluded the union president.