Ohlson: Federal healthcare professionals are unsung heroes

More than 4,400 members of the Health Services Group are seeking competitive compensation and opposing unchecked outsourcing.

Published May 05, 2024 • Last updated 10 hours ago • 3 minute read

The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, shown Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at CFB Trenton, Ont., provides care, such as that of social workers, to military families. Families credit centre staff with helping ease the stress of waiting for medical care after moving to a new military base. Luke Hendry/The Intelligencer/Postmedia Network Photo by Luke Hendry /THE INTELLIGENCER / POSTMEDIA NETWORK

In the heart of Canada’s sprawling healthcare system, a group of tireless warriors operates largely out of the public eye, yet their impact resonates across the nation.

These dedicated professionals include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, dentists, and veterinarians.

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All bring to their work a depth and breadth of expertise and institutional knowledge that is indispensable in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of some of the most vulnerable Canadians who often have no alternative options for healthcare.

Their story, often overshadowed by broader narratives, is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to some of Canada’s most remote and vulnerable communities.

From the icy expanses of the North serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, to the challenging environments of federal prisons and military bases, these individuals are the backbone of a system facing unprecedented challenges — from below-average salaries to violence in the workplace.

Recently, at 5th Division Support Base Gagetown’s Medical Centre, a soldier was charged with forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, and mischief causing property damage. This incident involved a healthcare professional and reportedly included an attempted attack on a nurse practitioner with a bladed weapon.

This type of violence not only endangers the health and well-being of workers. It also creates an environment that undermines the efficacy of Canada’s healthcare system.

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Despite working in settings that have increased risks of these types of violent incidents, federal healthcare workers are also paid less than their provincial counterparts.

This disparity not only undermines efforts to attract and retain top talent, but also diminishes the morale of those committed to this essential public service. These challenges are exacerbated by a broader staffing crisis experienced by provincial healthcare networks.

Another less-known fact about federal public healthcare is the phenomenon of de-professionalization of services that we’ve witnessed for several years.

De-professionalization happens when the federal government employs under-skilled and under-qualified temporary staff from private health agencies to do the work of trained professionals.

Over-reliance on outsourcing creates unintended consequences such as soaring costs and also threatens the sustainability of healthcare delivery. It disrupts continuity and negatively impacts quality of care, especially for vulnerable groups, and risks prioritizing profit over patient well-being.

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Relying on external contractors also moves us towards a fragmented healthcare system in which public service colleagues performing the exact same duties receive less compensation for the same work.

Addressing these challenges requires addressing competitive remuneration, and robust recruitment and retention strategies in the next collective agreement.

To bring federal healthcare professionals up to 2021 wages, we’re asking for a 12.5 per cent general economic increase to address the high inflation and current economic conditions.

Also, specific professions require catch-up pay to better align with wages offered by provincial counterparts. Federal nurses need an 8.7 per cent increase to catch up with provincial nurse salaries — with an additional increase for nurses in remote stations. Federal psychologists are asking for a 38 per cent catch-up increase to better align with the salaries in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. Federal social workers need 18 per cent more to catch up with counterparts in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan. These professionals are currently in bargaining, after their collective agreement expired in September 2022.

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We must rally support for policies that recognize and enhance the contributions of federal healthcare professionals. This includes collective bargaining that ensures competitive compensation and opposes unchecked outsourcing. By doing so, we not only support these crucial workers but also safeguard the healthcare system’s integrity and sustainability as well as the well-being of patients.

We must recognize and value the unique contributions of public service health professionals. Their unwavering commitment deserves acknowledgment and tangible support to build the resilient and sustainable healthcare system that truly serves.

Lynn Ohlson is the president of the Health Services Group, which consists of more than 4,400 employees and is a bargaining unit represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) in the core federal public administration.

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