Pharmacists in Quebec, facing nearly two years without a contract, are voicing urgent concerns over ongoing delays in negotiations with the government. With a critical shortage of pharmacists in hospitals and long-term care facilities, and many recent graduates opting for private sector roles, the situation is worsening. A.P.E.S. director Linda Vaillant emphasizes the need for action, highlighting the impact on healthcare services, while government officials claim negotiations are underway, a statement challenged by the pharmacists.
Pharmacists Raise Alarm Over Contract Delays
After nearly two years without a work contract, approximately 2,000 pharmacists employed in hospitals and long-term care facilities are expressing urgent concerns and are prepared to take action if the Quebec government fails to engage in negotiations.
Linda Vaillant, the executive director of the Association of Pharmacists of Health Establishments of Quebec (A.P.E.S.), states, “If the government does not act, we will have no choice but to take action!” She explicitly challenges ministers Christian Dubé and Sonia LeBel, accusing them of not granting their negotiators the necessary authority to begin discussions with pharmacists in the public sector. A year has passed since the pharmacists submitted their requests, yet there has been no response from the Legault administration.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with a growing shortage of pharmacists in hospitals, CHSLDs, and senior living facilities. Recent graduates are being drawn to lucrative opportunities in the private sector, such as Jean Coutu and Pharmaprix, while public sector attraction measures remain non-existent.
“We are in a critical labor situation, and it feels as if we are allowing the situation to deteriorate,” Vaillant lamented in a recent interview. The government’s lack of action is having significant repercussions on the healthcare system. “We are unable to provide certain services because we cannot recruit enough staff,” she emphasized.
Emergency Rooms Face Pharmacist Shortages
At present, there are no pharmacists available in any emergency rooms across Quebec or in dialysis centers, forcing doctors and nurses to manage medications alongside their patient care responsibilities. This not only worsens the backlog in the healthcare system but also raises concerns about the optimal management of medications.
As the population ages, the challenge of ensuring accurate medication dosages grows more complex. “Pharmacists are crucial in helping to reduce the volume of medications taken by elderly patients,” Vaillant asserts. Although the government announced 200 new pharmacist positions in CHSLDs and senior residences in 2022, only a quarter of these roles have been filled.
“We are facing labor shortages, working overtime, covering shifts, and there is no strategic plan in place!” exclaims Vaillant. Pharmacists in health establishments are trailing behind other network employees in terms of salary increases, making recruitment and retention key issues for A.P.E.S. members.
Without revealing specific pressure tactics, Vaillant assures that the 2,000 public pharmacists are prepared with a plan to make their voices heard. In response, Minister LeBel’s office claims that negotiations “have indeed started.” They added, “There was a submission last fall, and our teams are always available to continue discussions.”
However, A.P.E.S. challenges this claim, stating that meetings have been canceled due to negotiators lacking the mandate to initiate talks. According to the pharmacists, there has been no substantive employer submission to facilitate negotiations.