(9 February 2012) The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) has published (7 February 2012) a new report on the position of health and social services in Quebec in the provincial and federal CETA offers on services and investment.
The report entitled “ Canada-European Union comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement - Offers from Canada and Québec concerning services, financial services and investment: hardly reassuring for the health and social services system”

The report concludes that “The federal and provincial governments are trying to be reassuring and can go on saying that the public health and social services network is protected from the trade agreements, but it seems the opposite is true in that this protection is less and less assured and that the governments are looking for the means to submit an even larger share of it to the markets. Whether it is insurance, professional services, computer services or government procurement – and these are not the only issues linked to the health and social services network , public health and social services are being attacked from all directions. It is crucial that the governments take quick and concerted action. The health and social services network must be adequately protected by a firm commitment with clear provisions.”

The FIQ report echoes EPSU’s fears that the CETA trade agreement will impact negatively on public services.
See for further information http://www.epsu.org/r/230

For the full FIQ report in English and French and related information see:
http://www.fiqsante.qc.ca
http://www.rqic.alternatives.ca/RQIC-fr.htm
http://www.fiqsante.qc.ca/

 Report of The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), published 7 February 2012
(English & French)

FIQ report EN

FIQ report FR