Quebec paramedics and the provincial government announced a tentative collective agreement on July 26, 2026, ending a multi‑year stretch in which more than a thousand emergency workers operated without a formal contract. The agreement, reached with the public ambulance service Urgences‑santé, marks the conclusion of negotiations that began after the previous contract expired several years ago.
Paramedics employed by Urgences‑santé have been providing emergency medical care across the province while negotiations with the Province of Quebec continued. The lack of a contract meant that working conditions, wages and other employment terms were managed through interim arrangements rather than a binding collective agreement.
The tentative deal was secured after extensive discussions between the paramedic representatives and provincial officials. While the specific terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicated that the settlement addresses the core issues that have driven the prolonged bargaining process. Both sides expressed a desire to move forward and restore a stable framework for the workforce.
The resolution is expected to bring certainty to more than 1,000 paramedics who have been on the front lines of emergency response throughout the negotiation period. By formalizing the employment relationship, the agreement aims to provide clearer guidelines for salaries, benefits and working conditions, thereby supporting the continued delivery of ambulance services to Quebec residents.
The tentative nature of the agreement means that it will still require ratification by the paramedics’ union members before becoming fully effective. If approved, the contract will replace the temporary measures that have been in place and set the terms for the next bargaining cycle.
Provincial authorities and Urgences‑santé officials highlighted the importance of reaching a deal promptly, noting that a stable contract framework is essential for maintaining high‑quality emergency medical services throughout Quebec.