The recent announcement of $90 million in health care cuts for Outaouais is yet another blow to a region already underfunded by nearly $200 million annually. These cuts, part of Santé Québec’s plan to slash $1 billion from the provincial health care budget, will further weaken an already fragile system.
One of the most troubling consequences is the suspension of the nursing externship
program, which has been essential in retaining newly trained nurses in Outaouais. Without it, more nurses will leave for Ontario, where working conditions and salaries are significantly better. Meanwhile, 190 employees at the Outaouais Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) are being laid off, despite the critical shortage of health
care workers in the region.
These budget cuts will increase workloads, worsen patient care, and drive more professionals away, pushing Outaouais deeper into crisis. It is unacceptable to sacrifice essential health services in the name of austerity. The Quebec government must reinvest at least $200 million annually in our region and work with local leaders to develop a regional workforce strategy that ensures Outaouais residents receive the health care they deserve.
It is time to stop this vicious cycle of underfunding, staff shortages, and service cuts before the damage becomes irreversible.
Mathieu Charbonneau
Director, Action Santé Outaouais
Gatineau
Tr. & Ed.
Published January 29, 2025.
