Québec, le 27 May 2025 — The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ has just been heard by the Committee on Public Finance as part of consultations on Bill 100, which aims to reform the negotiation process in the public and parapublic sectors. The FIQ also presented a brief in which it applauds several significant amendments, while also raising some concerns.

“The FIQ is delighted that respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, who it has represented for over 20 years, will remain in the same class as nurses and licensed practical nurses. This decision reflects the desire to preserve the representative nature of class 1, an issue for which more than 11,000 professionals signed a petition in 2024,” said Julie Bouchard, president of the FIQ.

The Federation also acknowledges the government’s decision to maintain existing union certifications, thereby avoiding unnecessary chaos in a health care network already weakened by the arrival of Santé Québec. “Another positive point is that the rules surrounding seniority have now been clarified to include institutions in the Far North and private subsidized institutions,” added Ms. Bouchard.

Despite these advances, the FIQ identifies significant risks, including the possibility that a future Treasury Board chair could hold too much power in their hands during negotiations. To counter this risk, the FIQ proposes to require—not merely allow—the creation of local arrangements during provincial negotiations to ensure that local employers and unions have a real say.

The FIQ is also concerned about the reorganization of the employer’s representative; it believes that Santé Québec must actively participate in the negotiation process if this societal corporation is to be responsible for implementing the negotiated agreements. “It is up to the employer to organize its structure, but the employer’s negotiators must have clear mandates and be able to apply the agreements on the ground. However, in the last two rounds of negotiations, there have been too many obstacles when it comes time to implement them,” concluded the president.

About the FIQ 

The FIQ has more than 80,000 members, including nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists working in healthcare institutions across Quebec. It is a feminist organization, composed of nearly 90% women, dedicated to defending its members, as well as patients and the public healthcare system.

More information:

Philippe Desjardins
581 995-0762