News

Longueuil – The APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) strongly objects to the surreptitious tabling by Minister Jean-François Roberge of amendments designed to ban the wearing of religious symbols by youth protection workers.

As a union representing more than 10,000 people employed in youth protection, the APTS believes that a genuine public debate on this issue is essential. As of today, there have been no consultations, since the bill originally did not concern employees in the health and social services system.

No assessment currently exists on the wearing of religious symbols by youth protection workers, nor is there any mention of youth protection in the report of the Comité d’étude sur le respect des principes de la Loi sur la laïcité de l’État et sur les influences religieuses produced by Christiane Pelchat and Guillaume Rousseau at the government’s request.

Moreover, a rushed reform pushed through without discussion, preparation or consultation might have serious consequences for a sector facing one of the worst labour shortages in health and social services.

The APTS is asking Minister Roberge to immediately withdraw these amendments. No decision of this importance should be made without a calm and informed public debate. 

The APTS

The APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) represents more than 68,000 members who play a key role in ensuring that health and social services institutions run smoothly. Our members provide a wide range of services for all Quebecers, including diagnostic, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychosocial intervention, clinical support, and prevention services.