Quebec cuts 1,000 health-care jobs in a month as it tackles deficit [Video]

Announcements of job cuts in the health network have multiplied in recent weeks as Quebec tries to eliminate a $1.5 billion deficit in the public health-care system.

According to the most recent data from the Health Ministry, the number of employees in the network dropped to 348,353 in mid-December 2024 — a decrease of 1,045 people over the previous month.

And the cuts aren’t done.

Radio-Canada is reporting that in Laval, Que., the CISSS regional health board will meet in the coming days with about 150 employees whose positions will be eliminated. Many of them are patient attendants and auxiliary nurses.

The anticipated shortfall in Laval will remain around $55 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, according to Radio-Canada.

In Chaudière-Appalaches, located south of Quebec City, more than 130 positions could be affected, the unions said.

“After all the measures previously implemented … we must apply new budget balancing measures by eliminating permanent …