The Quebec government and the Regroupement Les sages-femmes du Québec (RSFQ) have reached a preliminary agreement that will shape midwifery services in the province for the next six years. The agreement, set to come into effect from 2024 to 2030, aims to benefit over 300 midwives within the health and social services network.
In a recent announcement, the government highlighted that the agreement focuses on enhancing the working conditions of midwives, supporting the growth of their expertise, and ultimately improving the quality of services provided to the community. This initiative is particularly aimed at streamlining access to prenatal care and childbirth services.
While the details of the agreement are yet to be finalized, RSFQ members are expected to vote on its terms. Notably, the agreement addresses key priorities such as attendance bonuses for deliveries and responsibility incentives for department heads, reflecting the midwives’ aspirations for fair compensation and recognition.
Following changes in the healthcare system in 2023, midwives have been integrated into the Council of Physicians, Dentists, Pharmacists, and Midwives, a move that has brought about organizational adjustments and an expanded scope of responsibilities for department heads. Magali Letarte, spokesperson for the RSFQ’s mobilization committee, emphasized the importance of addressing these structural changes during a recent interview with The Canadian Press.
Furthermore, the issue of accessibility to midwifery services in remote regions has been a focal point for the RSFQ, highlighting the need to ensure equitable access to care across all communities.
