Quebec City, le 30 October 2025 — The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ is deeply concerned and categorically opposed to Bill 3 presented by Labour Minister Jean Boulet. Behind the veneer of transparency and good governance, this bill constitutes a frontal attack on union autonomy and the fundamental right of association.

“This bill is a diversion. It is trying to distract attention from the real emergencies: untenable working conditions, deteriorating access to healthcare, a crisis on the front line and the collapse of service quality. While the CAQ accumulates IT fiascos, colossal financial losses and governs with gag orders, yet dares to lecture us on transparency? It’s a world turned upside down”, stated Julie Bouchard, President of the FIQ.

The FIQ is clear: it has no lessons to learn from a government that makes repeated management errors and ranks last in class when it comes to accountability. “Unlike the CAQ, transparency and accountability are at the heart of our practices. Our members know exactly where, when and how their money is used. We behave responsibly”, insisted Ms. Bouchard.

The union leader continued: “This bill imposes bureaucratic shackles on the internal workings of unions. It tramples on the right of workers to define their own rules, constitution and operating procedures. This is an unacceptable intrusion into processes that fall exclusively within the purview of union autonomy. Unions belong to their members, not to the state, and certainly not to the CAQ.”

The FIQ also condemns the restrictions imposed on the use of optional dues for political or social activities, which it considers a thinly veiled attempt to silence the union’s voice in the public sphere. The new rules on secret ballots are also a problem: too rigid, they risk paralyzing union action during periods of mobilization or negotiation.

“In hospitals, CLSCs, CHSLDs, private subsidized institutions and home care, the patients don’t ask how much union dues are. They ask why they wait for hours in Emergency, why their surgery is postponed, why home care is inadequate. Those are the real priorities”, insisted Ms. Bouchard.

The FIQ sees this bill as a dangerous authoritarian trend. By criminalizing certain union practices and transferring the power to institute criminal proceedings to employees themselves, the government is sowing division and weakening solidarity. “The FIQ calls on the government to withdraw this bill and to engage in genuine dialogue with the labour organizations. Québec workers deserve strong, free unions that are capable of defending their interests without political interference”, concluded the president.

About the FIQ

Created in 1987, the FIQ represents nearly 90,000 healthcare professionals (nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists) working in the healthcare institutions across Québec. The FIQ is a feminist organization composed of nearly 90% women, dedicated to defending its members, while ensuring the quality of care offered to the public and the sustainability of the public health network.