The Quebec government has successfully negotiated an agreement in principle with unionized pharmacists employed within the province's public health-care network. The announcement was made public on December 22, 2025, marking a significant step toward resolving long-standing labour discussions for this specialized group of healthcare professionals.
Details of the Negotiated Deal
While the specific financial terms and working condition adjustments remain confidential pending a ratification vote, the agreement in principle covers pharmacists who are integral to hospital and institutional care teams. These professionals are represented by the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), the province's largest nursing union which also represents other clinical staff. The deal comes after periods of negotiation aimed at addressing recruitment, retention, and recognition issues within the public sector pharmacy workforce.
Context and Next Steps
This agreement is part of a broader context of labour negotiations within Quebec's strained healthcare system. Securing stability among pharmacy professionals is seen as crucial for maintaining medication management, patient safety, and clinical services in hospitals and long-term care homes. The tentative pact will now be presented to the union's membership for a democratic ratification vote. The voting process is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, where pharmacists will have the final say on accepting the new collective agreement.
Implications for Quebec's Healthcare
A ratified agreement would bring certainty to a key segment of the healthcare workforce and help ensure the continuity of essential pharmaceutical services. It addresses one piece of the complex puzzle of workforce challenges facing the province's public institutions. The outcome of the vote will be closely watched as an indicator of broader labour relations stability in the health sector.
