Advertisement

François Legault comments on last week’s plan to offer financial incentives for nurses

Legault issued a Facebook post commenting on a one-time bonuses plan intended to lure thousands of nurses back to the public sector from private placement agencies and retirement. Twitter/François Legault

The Quebec government wants a “revolution” and to offer nurses what they deserve, which is a better life and work environment, Premier François Legault said Saturday.

Legault issued a Facebook post commenting on a one-time bonuses plan intended to lure thousands of nurses back to the public sector from private placement agencies and retirement. The plan is also meant to convince part-time nurses to switch to full-time work.

“Money won’t fix all the problems, but we think it will help us to curb the staff shortage in the short term,” Legault said. “We have a duty to succeed with everything you do for us. We owe you that.”

Story continues below advertisement

Quebec said on Sept. 23 the government is budgeting $1 billion to offer full-time nurses bonuses of up to $18,000 as it tries to prevent more of them from leaving the public health-care system and to entice those who have left to come back.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The plan, however, faced backlash from the largest Quebec nurses’ union, which demands the elimination of mandatory overtime. The government has proposed to reduce it.

Legault said the financial incentives were only one part of the plan, but were crucial to prevent further nurses from leaving the industry.

READ MORE: NACI backs 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised

“I know what’s essential for you, it’s not to have more money, it’s the quality of life and work,” Legault said on Facebook, adding that the goal is also to eliminate mandatory overtime.

Quebec is struggling with a shortage of more than 4,000 nurses which could worsen as health-care workers face suspension without pay if they are not fully vaccinated by Oct.15.

Health Minister Christian Dubé said on Sept. 23 in a news conference along with Legault the incentives will only be available to nurses who are fully vaccinated.

He said around 7,700 health-care workers in the province who are in regular contact with patients have not yet received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Quebec health-care workers say they feel overlooked by government'
Quebec health-care workers say they feel overlooked by government

Sponsored content

AdChoices