Paramedics in Quebec are fed up -- and half are looking for new jobs
Paramedics across Quebec say they are overworked and underpaid – and many are thinking of leaving the profession.
As many as 70 percent of paramedics are thinking on quitting, according to a survey conducted by the one of the unions representing paramedics in Quebec.
The CSN surveyed 450 of its 3,200 paramedics to find out how they felt about their careers.
In addition to those thinking about quitting, 50 per cent say they have already started looking for new work.
The ATPH, a union representing paramedics around Quebec City found similar findings, too. After surveying 70 per cent of their workers, half of them said the same thing.
The unions say the main reasons for reconsidering their careers are poor management, low pay, poor work-life balance, and a lack of recognition for their work.
"So the salary is a big point because if we compare ourselves with other emergency services -- police officers, fire department -- the salary is not there. For us it's lower, the least paid. Also if we compare with nurses in hospitals same thing. Also the fact we are really busy, there's too many calls," said Louis-Pierre Fournier of the paramedics' union. "This results not able to have lunch, some days no lunch at all, also fact we can't finish on time due to same reasons. That's the main points right now."
The surveys come as Health Minister Christian Dube announced earlier this month that paramedics would be asked to assist in long-term care homes and hospitals. It's part of the government's plan to ease the ongoing staffing crisis in the health-care system.
The CSN is currently in the process of negotiating with the government to renew its collective agreement and says it's presented these surveys to the Health Ministry.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.