News

Québec City – A delegation from the APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) was at the National Assembly today to greet MNAs and raise awareness about an urgent demand: granting 10 days of paid leave to victims of intimate partner violence, protected under an Act respecting labour standards.

“In less than three months in 2026, there have already been seven femicides!” said APTS vice-president Isabelle Mantha. “Most of the members we represent are women, so we’re deeply concerned. Behind these numbers, there were women trying to survive intimate partner violence. We’re calling for the victims to be given the time they need to address the situation, without having to choose between their safety and their salary. What are we waiting for to stop the alarming increase in these numbers?”

Québec lagging behind other provinces

Along with Alberta, Québec is lagging significantly. This measure, which has already been proven elsewhere in Canada, can save lives. It removes one of the barriers that prevents victims from taking action by allowing them to find safety, access specialized resources and even take legal steps.

“For us, this demand goes beyond the framework of our collective agreements,” said Mantha. “Protecting victims, whether unionized or not, is everyone’s responsibility. That includes employers, because violence doesn’t stop at the workplace doors.”

On International Women’s Rights Day, MNAs voted unanimously to denounce femicides and improve prevention. The APTS, which represents over 68,000 members – including mental health professionals and technicians who work daily with victims – says it’s time for elected officials to turn their commitments into concrete action.

“The Minister of Labour tells us that the measure would be too expensive,” said Mantha. “But can we really put a price on the lives of victims and their children? We shouldn’t have to negotiate over women’s lives.”

The APTS and the Intersyndicale des femmes are making this demand together.

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.