Manitoba just made history by becoming the first Canadian province to pass a law on safe ratios.

For several years, healthcare professionals have been calling for solid measures to put an end to the work overload, which compromises both their health and the quality of care provided to the population. By choosing to pass legislation on ratios, Manitoba is recognizing that there is a maximum number of patients that a healthcare professional can care for safely.

Manitoban nurses played a fundamental role in this achievement since they know their patients’ needs and the conditions required for safe care better than anyone. More than 4,800 of them participated in consultations to determine the ratios in the various centres of activity, in collaboration with the government, employers and union.

This decision confirms what the FIQ has long been saying: safe ratios are not a utopian idea but rather a simple union demand. It is a proven solution to improve patient safety, support staff retention, and strengthen the public health network.

As Quebec’s provincial election draws nearer, this Manitoban gain raises a key question:  Which political party will have the courage to adopt a long-term vision to improve the health network and public health?

To view the summary of recommendations that will guide the implementation of safe ratios in Manitoba, click on this link to go to the document issued by the Manitoban government: https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/20262027/nurse-patient-ratios.pdf

To learn more about the FIQ campaign for safe ratios, visit: fiqsante.qc.ca/ratios-securitaires