International nurses allege racial discrimination and abuse in Quebec recruitment program
The Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) is calling for an investigation into a Quebec-based international nurse recruitment program after several participants from French-speaking African countries alleged they have faced racial discrimination.
During a press conference on Thursday, Roselyne Koa said she has never experienced discrimination like what she has faced in Quebec.
"I have witnessed unimaginable situations," she said.
Koa added that many nurses suffered from depression because they say they were treated like second-class citizens and endured mental abuse, with some even being told they smelled bad.
"They encounter differential treatment, discriminatory treatments. Many end in desperate situations that basically put them in jeopardy, both financially, professionally," said Fo Niemi, the executive director of CRARR.
The project to recognize the skills of nurses recruited internationally (PRCIIRI) was launched in 2022 and aims to recruit 1,000 nurses.
Since the program began, hundreds of participants have arrived in Quebec from countries such as Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire and are often sent to regions like Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Montérégie and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Once they arrive at their destination, the nurses must complete refresher training to prepare them to practice in Quebec.
However, Niemi says this is not the reality for many participants of African origin.
"They have to work as basically orderlies part time as part of their training program. They are also fired if they fail the course," Niemi said.
Koa recounted facing disciplinary action when she was on parental leave and alleged she was fired from her job as an assistant head nurse in Témiscamingue after speaking out in solidarity with African nurses.
She says about 50 nurses have reached out to her for help.
"There's a lot of fear because the complaint mechanisms don't work for them," Niemi said.
CTV News reached out to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration but did not hear back in time for publication.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.4822761.1582326806!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
DEVELOPING Kingston, Ont. police investigate triple stabbing
Police in Kingston, Ont. say a standoff is underway between officers and a suspect following a triple stabbing Thursday morning.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
Air Canada pushing for government intervention as clock ticks on labour talks
Air Canada is asking the federal government to be ready to intervene in its labour talks with its pilots as time is running out before a potential shutdown.
LIVE NOW Consul general to New York answering questions over $9M luxury condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark is testifying on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.
BREAKING 3 dead in Lloydminster, Sask., few details available
Three people are dead after an "incident" in Lloydminster, RCMP have confirmed.
OPP constable charged after alleged assault at Santa's Village
A veteran OPP officer is facing an assault charge following an incident at an amusement park in Bracebridge.
Here's what you need to know about your rights ahead of a possible Air Canada strike, according to a passenger advocate
While Air Canada has shared advice for travellers ahead of a possible pilots strike, an airline passenger rights advocate has more tips for Canadians who may be affected.
'Spot, squish, report': Officials urging vigilance as destructive species heads north
They have a propensity to proliferate and a fondness for grapes, and while the distinctive red and white-spotted lanternfly may look beautiful, officials are urging vigilance as the invasive species tracks north.
Billionaire steps out of SpaceX capsule for first private spacewalk hundreds of miles above Earth
A billionaire kicked off the first private spacewalk Thursday, teaming up with SpaceX on the daring endeavour hundreds of miles above Earth.