A majority of Urgences-santé paramedics in the Montreal metropolitan area are thinking about leaving their jobs, according to a new survey by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux, raising concerns about staffing stability in the city’s pre-hospital emergency system.
The CSN surveyed 386 paramedic members. Of 279 who answered a question about their five-year outlook, only 47 said they plan to stay in their current jobs. Another 104 said they are considering a career change, 69 are thinking about returning to school, and roughly 20 plan to retire within five years.
Separately, barely 30 of the 386 respondents said their current pay and conditions of employment encourage them to stay in the profession for the next five years.
Strike ongoing, no contract since 2023
Urgences-santé paramedics have been without a collective agreement since April 1, 2023, and have not received a pay increase since 2022. Since July 6, 2024, they have been on strike while maintaining essential services. The CSN says roughly 50 bargaining sessions have taken place, with key sticking points including pay, workload, and access to benefits the provincial government has extended to other health and social services workers, such as higher premiums and better overtime pay.
“This should be a wake-up call. It must be taken seriously,” said Claude Lamarche, president of the Syndicat du préhospitalier–CSN. “Many paramedics are choosing to leave after only a few years in the profession — and it’s understandable. Paramedics have at least a CEGEP education. They experience high levels of job-related stress, overwork and physical and psychological risks. When they compare their pay and working conditions to those offered elsewhere, the pre-hospital sector is really not competitive. Workers at other emergency services, their colleagues in the public health and social services network, and even heavy vehicle drivers all earn salaries that are more in line with the demands of their jobs.”
Retention concerns growing
Lamarche said the survey results reflect a broader sense among members that they are undervalued. “I can’t say I’m surprised,” he said. “Paramedics feel the government doesn’t respect them. It’s dragging out the negotiations and acting as if it takes paramedics for granted. Hopefully this survey will make the government realize that it can’t be so complacent. Urgent action is needed.”
Bertrand Guibord, president of the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain, said the situation has consequences beyond the bargaining table. “Unless the government changes course now, all Montréal-area residents will end up paying the price for the CAQ’s poor choices,” he said. “Making sure there are always paramedics ready to respond to an emergency should be at the top of the government’s agenda. After three years, paramedics still don’t have a contract. This makes no sense! It shows a blatant lack of respect for workers who save lives every day. We need paramedics to be motivated and determined, which means working conditions and salaries that match their responsibilities.”
The Syndicat du préhospitalier–CSN represents more than 950 paramedics at Urgences-santé. The broader FSSS–CSN federation represents approximately 3,300 paramedics across Quebec.
