Since Monday, August 12, the day we marked our 500th day without a work contract, calling on the government to take action, we seem to have drawn attention from some charlatans! Some statements stirred a strong reaction from us and from you. Opinion columnists have their limits, especially when they are just fanning the flames of an already difficult conflict. It is high time that words were replaced with concrete actions.

One thing is certain, we will not be shaken by statements that seek to paint us as uncompromising and temperamental. Our demands are legitimate, based on concrete facts and a deep understanding of the real issues in the public network, not on opinions or biased interpretations.

Furthermore, saying that the FIQ isn’t available to negotiate or that it is hindering help to remote regions is not only completely false, but a cynical manoeuvre from a government that is incapable of recognizing its own failures. The truth is that the FIQ is always ready to have constructive discussions with the government, at any time, in the interest of its members and for the well-being of the public health network. It is time that the government stop looking for scapegoats and take responsibility.

That said, we won’t hesitate to use pressure tactics this fall to make our voice heard. Our availability to negotiate does not mean that we will agree to a compromise that will jeopardize the quality of care, our working conditions or our expertise. Our strength comes from our unity and determination. Let’s keep in mind that our fight is at the bargaining table, and that is where we must focus all our efforts.

Soon, the winds will pick up and blow very strongly. We will roll out pressure tactics that will disrupt and disturb to support our demands and advance negotiations. External provocations, no matter how loud, should under no circumstances sway us from our goal.

You are right to be offended by inaccurate, unjust and disparaging statements about our professions. I am constantly concerned about the spreading of information and statements that are taken out of context, incomplete, and presented as absolute truth. While I have a strong desire to react and set these rumours straight, I know that it’s not always the best strategy.

That is why I want to clarify, as the president of our organization, that I choose not to engage in a war of words with people outside of our negotiations. First, it is important to remember that our absolute priority is always to defend the working conditions of healthcare professionals, and, by extension, the quality of care provided to patients.

I will always represent our voice, denouncing those who say we are to blame for our own distress. We are dealing with extremely difficult working conditions that have been made worse by years of political decisions that have chipped away at care safety. It is heinous to point the finger at us for a situation we did not create.

We must focus all of our energy on these crucial negotiations with the government. Some fights do not even deserve our attention. Engaging in useless conflict will only weaken our reputation and compromise the negotiations underway, especially when provocation appears to be the entire goal. We are above these political manoeuvres. Our priority is to obtain an equitable work contract that reflects the reality and importance of our expertise as nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists.

Every one of our public appearances is scrutinized under a magnifying glass, as much by the government as by mercenary pundits who seek to weaken our cause by trumpeting from their media platform. We have to stay dignified and focused because our cause goes far beyond their election games. Let’s keep our eyes on the essential so we don’t fall into the trap of sterile debates that distract from the true problems at hand. While we are losing time reacting to these distractions, the government is taking a break. Let’s not give them this luxury. Let’s keep up the pressure to settle our negotiations.

We won’t achieve our goals by waging a war with words in the media. Our media appearances are intended to highlight our demands, to amplify our members’ voices, and inform the public, who support us, about why we are fighting for better working conditions and quality health care.

I encourage us to stay determined and stay confident in our efforts. The strength of our cause lies in the fairness of our demands and the solidarity of our movement. Let’s stay the course!