Dear union reps,
More than ten years ago, I had the privilege of starting my career as a nurse at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal. It was in the intimacy of intensive care, and then as an organ donation resource nurse, that I gained my first professional experience. These moments of intensity, vulnerability and resilience taught me to measure the impact of every gesture, decision and interaction. But I also observed the limits of our network: the lack of recognition, growing de-humanization and psychological distress too often down-played. These observations awakened in me a deep desire for change.
During my term as secretary-treasurer at the FIQ-SPSNÎM, I became aware of the impact that we can have collectively, beyond direct care. I discovered the power of solidarity, the strength of dialogue and the importance of unionism rooted in the reality of healthcare professionals.
Today, I am submitting my candidacy for the position of secretary general with the same passion that drives me every day, when I enter a patient’s room: this will to progress, this thirst for learning, this empathy and sincere desire to make a difference.
I want to energize the FIQ Executive Committee. All too often, there is a gap between the decision-making bodies and realities in the field. My commitment is to reduce this distance, to create a living space where every voice counts, where every member feels listened to, respected, but above all involved. The richness and diversity of our federation’s members, from all four corners of Quebec, offer a unique perspective that is essential to our collective strength.
My strengths: my rigour, my ability to rally people around common goals and my critical spirit have always enabled me to overcome obstacles. I am committed to putting these qualities to work for the FIQ.
Choose an assertive young union rep, ready to defend our issues with conviction. Together, in a spirit of harmony and transparency, we will transform our work environment and will offer, to those we provide care to, as well as ourselves, a more humane, respectful and fulfilling care environment.
In Solidarity,
Mélanie Bouchard
Seconded by:
Jean-Sébastien Blais, FIQ – SISS de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Denis Cloutier, FIQ – SPS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
