The CAQ government went ahead this week with the passing of Bill 101, contested since last spring by the FIQ and other unions because of its impact on female workers’ health.  

The healthcare and education sectors are therefore now subject to a reduced prevention regime, which is a form of discrimination for two predominantly female groups: teachers and healthcare professionals.  

For nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, this means that prevention mechanisms will remain minimal, despite the fact that they work in some of the riskiest jobs in terms of health and safety.  

Their excessive workload and exposure to numerous psychosocial risks such as stress, violence and lack of recognition, for example, have negative impacts on their health, and the new law will not allow for adequate management of these issues, as is the case for other female workers in Québec. Nor does the law provide for an end to this discriminatory exception.  

However, during the last few weeks, a detailed examination of the bill has led to the inclusion of an amendment stipulating that a gender-based analysis (GBA+) be carried out when the final report is submitted in 2029, which would allow for better consideration of the impacts on women.