Updated on 10 April 2026 at 13h32
This article written in french by Nicholas Pereira was automatically translated using AI
The Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of Laval has eliminated more than 250 full-time beneficiary attendant positions in the region’s long-term care homes (CHSLDs) since the beginning of 2026.
As of April 2, a total of 252 full-time positions had been replaced by 170.8 part-time positions in Laval’s public CHSLDs.
Sainte-Dorothée is the facility most affected by the cuts, with 100.6 full-time positions converted into 63 part-time roles. Idola-Saint-Jean follows, with 72 full-time positions turned into 43.4 part-time jobs. At Val-des-Brises, 54 full-time equivalent positions were reduced to 51.1 part-time roles.
The Sainte-Rose and La Pinière CHSLDs are losing 13 and 10 full-time positions respectively, replaced by 9.1 and 4.2 part-time jobs. Finally, the Fernand-Larocque team is losing 2.4 full-time positions without any replacements.
Despite this reduction in working hours, the Laval health authority maintains that “the level of care and services offered to users remains the same,” while allowing for “rigorous and responsible management of public funds.”
“This transformation makes it possible […] to achieve savings estimated between $6 and $7 million,” added the CISSS de Laval communications department. “Nearly half of these amounts is being reinvested to support the opening of additional long-term care beds, including those opened in 2025, as well as others that will become available in the coming weeks.”
Confusion and concern
Unsurprisingly, the Syndicat des travailleuses et des travailleurs du CISSS de Laval (STTCISSS-Laval) is opposing these significant cuts to full-time positions.
“I was stunned when they told us,” said its president, Nathalie Bourque. “We promise two baths per week and respect for residents’ biological schedules because it’s a living environment—but you still need the time and staff to do that. […] This is yet another step backward for Laval.”
She cited several examples of people whose lives will be disrupted by these cuts: a couple losing two full-time positions, a single mother who will have to travel much farther to keep her job, and workers who moved to Lanaudière to maintain full-time status.
In response, the CISSS de Laval stated that “individual meetings were held to ensure the smoothest possible transition and to provide personalized support to affected individuals, in addition to continued access to the Employee Assistance Program.”
“That’s nonsense,” replied Nathalie Bourque. “Sometimes we showed up to meetings and they were cancelled because someone couldn’t make it, and we hadn’t even been notified by email. […] There were many situations like that.”
She emphasized that “labour relations staff were not very familiar with the process” and that her group had to correct certain information. “Sometimes people were in tears and devastated, and they just walked away,” she added. “Who picks those people up? We do!”
The STTCISSS-Laval has also issued a statement proposing cuts to management positions in response to the CISSS decision. It estimates that savings of $2,519,932 could be achieved by converting certain management roles to part-time. Managers could even be more present on the ground.
“These figures are estimates, but we know we’re not far off,” said Nathalie Bourque. “We’re not saying they do nothing, but […] it’s always frontline staff who get cut first. There are no major cuts at the top.”
“In fall 2024, the CISSS de Laval already eliminated positions as part of its balanced budget plan,” responded the communications department. “Each manager at CISSS de Laval supervises more employees than the Quebec average.”
Next steps
The STTCISSS-Laval confirms that all beneficiary attendants affected by the cuts have now been informed.
The process has now reached the bumping stage. Workers can choose to take a vacant part-time position or displace a less senior employee in another department.
“Many are choosing bumping, so there’s still a lot to be done. Even when taking someone else’s position in another facility, it’s often only evenings or nights if you want full-time hours. It creates a ripple effect everywhere and impacts all workplaces,” concluded Nathalie Bourque.
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