Foster care providers reach five-year contract deal
Quebec settles labor dispute with 3,800 foster care workers after months of negotiations.
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Quebec and foster care providers' unions have reached a tentative five-year agreement, retroactive to 2023, covering more than 3,800 workers. Treasury Board Chair France-Élaine Duranceau announced the deal Saturday, saying it will improve working conditions and support for staff caring for vulnerable children and adults.
The agreement involves two associations — ADREQ (foster care for children) and ADRAQ (adult care) — both affiliated with the Centrale des syndicats démocratiques. The unions had flagged financial terms as a persistent sticking point during months of talks. The CSD also noted it filed legal action to assert workers' rights and maintain pressure on the government.
Details remain confidential until union members vote on the contract at general assemblies. The CSD emphasized the deal includes "significant gains and regulatory advances," though neither side has disclosed specifics yet.
For a sector that's been stretched thin managing care for vulnerable populations, the agreement signals some relief — if members approve the terms.