United in progress, united in care

Make no mistake about it, the last year has not been all clear sailing. The drawn-out negotiations, the Dubé reform, the austerity measures… there have been many ordeals. We have every reason in the world to be outraged.

Despite all that, it is not what I want to focus on for this Healthcare Professional Month. Let’s give ourselves the opportunity to celebrate, if only for a moment. To celebrate our courage. To celebrate our determination.  To celebrate the collective strength that unites us and drives us to take action for a more humane healthcare system that is commensurate with our struggles and the rights of those we provide care for.

It’s with this in mind that the 2025 theme is “United in progress, united in care”. Because despite the ordeals, it is we who, day after day, keep the public health network on its feet. Our commitment and our humanity prevent its foundations from crumbling. We, healthcare professionals, embody one of the fundamental pillars of society. It’s vital to remember that.

On May 5, we will celebrate licensed practical nurses. On the front line with patients, you ensure their comfort, their safety, and the quality of the care they receive. Your ability to combine technical know-how with interpersonal skills makes all the difference, both for the teams and for the people to whom you provide care.

On May 12, we will celebrate nurses. Where would society be without your clinical expertise, your ability to do the right thing at the right time and your commitment to patients? You are a model for your teams and a source of unparalleled comfort for those to whom you provide care.

On May 19, we will celebrate respiratory therapists. You play a critical role in stabilizing and caring for patients in a critical situation.  Your technical expertise, combined with your calmness in stressful situations, not only contributes to the effective management of respiratory care, but also saves lives.

Lastly, on May 26, we will celebrate clinical perfusionists. Your highly specialized work is essential to the smooth running of cardiac surgery and intensive care. You work with precision, composure and discipline in complex settings. Your contribution, often overlooked by the general public, is crucial to the success of even the most delicate surgeries.

Let’s start Healthcare Professional Month with pride. Let’s celebrate our humanity, our courage and our commitment. Let’s continue to  present a united front, to make our voices heard and to demand, together, conditions commensurate with the roles we play.