By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Health sector unions and Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie gathered on Mar. 17 to denounce the $1.5 billion in budget cuts imposed by Santé Québec, warning of their impact on public healthcare services in the region and across the province.
Speaking in front of the CSLC Belvédère, Labrie called the cuts “irresponsible” given current pressures on the healthcare system. “Many people already struggle to access a doctor or healthcare professional, and wait times are only increasing. It is unacceptable to force CISSS and CIUSSS facilities to make these kinds of reductions,” she said. She urged the provincial government to delay balancing the budget in order to protect both the public and healthcare workers.
Petition to be presented at National Assembly
A petition calling for a reversal of the cuts, spearheaded by healthcare worker Philippe Lambert, is set to be tabled at the National Assembly this week. “I launched this petition because patients should be the priority,” Lambert said. “These budget cuts make it harder for people to get care, and the strain on healthcare workers is unbearable.”
Unions representing nurses, administrative staff, and other health professionals voiced unanimous opposition to the cuts, arguing that they increase reliance on private healthcare providers while weakening the public system.
Criticism of privatization and staffing reductions
Stéphanie Goulet, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles en soins des Cantons-de-l’Est (FIQ-SPSCE), dismissed claims that privatization would help reduce costs and wait times. “That is a myth,” she said. “Instead of investing in the public system, the government is funnelling resources into the private sector. But private clinics pull healthcare workers away from hospitals, worsening staff shortages and increasing delays.”
The unions say the cuts have already led to hiring freezes, unfilled shifts, and the closure of some healthcare services. Jonathan Tétreault, president of the Syndicat du personnel administratif du CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS (SPACEC-CSN), said that administrative staff shortages are forcing nurses and doctors to take on extra paperwork. “Healthcare workers are already overstretched, and now they’re doing administrative tasks instead of patient care. The result? Even longer wait times and lower quality of care,” he said.
The staffing crunch extends beyond administrative roles. Alexandre Dumont, president of the SCFP 4475, pointed to widespread job cuts and hiring restrictions. “The network is fragile, and these reductions hurt everyone. When hospitals don’t have enough staff or equipment, patients suffer,” he said. “We are constantly forced to mobilize to get the government to listen. We need public support.”
