MONTREAL — The series of resignations at the Nunavik health network was the subject of discussions during Thursday’s National Assembly Question Time. Basically, Christian Dubé replied that he trusts the management to solve the crisis.

The health secretary said he “supports” the decisions of the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (RRSSSN), which enjoys special autonomy.

In a question to Minister Dubé, liberal health critic André Fortin asked him what he planned to do to keep nurses who have had enough and are reconciled to quitting their jobs.

On Wednesday, The Canadian Press reported that layoffs of nurses at Hudson’s Bay clinics are piling up. According to the union, there are now nine nurses who have left their posts in the past two weeks. Other health professionals would also consider imitation due to what has been described as a toxic work environment and exhaustion from severe staff shortages.

According to information from the Northern Union of Hudson’s Bay Nurses (SNIIBH), there are only 11 nurses who perform an extended role – that is, they can perform certain medical acts without the presence of a doctor – to serve seven villages. Akulivik, Umiujaq and Ivujivik Municipalities do not have permanent on-site nurses, while Puvirnituq Municipality has only one nurse.

In response, Minister Dubé reiterated in the Blue Room that he was “very sensitive” to the situation, but that decisions about the management of Inuulitsivik Health Center (CSI) are primarily the responsibility of the autonomous board and the department “is there to support them”. .

“I’ve said it several times, we’re discussing from nation to nation,” he emphasized, speaking of the Inuit and their institutions.

Additionally, among the four demands made in a petition to the Secretary of Health by the Northern Union of Hudson’s Bay Nurses (SNIIBH) is the adoption of new regional differences in collective bargaining agreements to encourage staff recruitment and retention in the North.

Sonia LeBel, president of the Treasury, said the government is “able” to agree with unions on “differentiated terms” to “address a specific issue at a specific time.”

Secretary LeBel took the opportunity to recall the nature of her controversial offer, which was emailed to public sector unions on Wednesday. In particular, it included a proposal for bonuses for nurses willing to work during less attractive shifts.

In his questions to Minister Dubé, MP André Fortin also referred to the conflict between the Center for Integrated Health and Social Services at the University of Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec (CIUSSSMCQ) and its nurses. Hundreds of healthcare workers have threatened to lay off en masse to protest management’s decision to force them to work weekends.

That question opened the door for Secretary LeBel to intervene in the exchange. She ended her post by again urging unions to participate in their famous forums. The unions oppose this new platform, which they say contradicts the legal framework for collective bargaining, which requires the government’s offers to be tabled and discussed at the negotiating tables.

–

The Canadian Press’s health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial decisions.