Valérie Fernandez of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec announced five specific recommendations aimed at strengthening the province’s social service system on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The proposals were presented as a direct response to growing concerns about the adequacy of social support programs across Quebec.
The Order’s recommendations focus on enhancing the capacity, coordination, and accessibility of social services. While the details of each recommendation were not disclosed in the release, the emphasis is on creating a more robust framework that can better address the needs of vulnerable populations. The five measures are intended to guide policymakers, service providers, and community organizations toward a more integrated and resilient system.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the provincial election campaign, a period marked by heightened public debate over social policy. Candidates and parties have been scrutinizing existing programs, and the Order’s proposals add a professional perspective to the discourse. By presenting these recommendations now, the Order seeks to inform the policy conversation and ensure that any future reforms are grounded in the expertise of social workers and family therapists.
Fernandez highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach that leverages existing resources while introducing new mechanisms to fill gaps in service delivery. The Order’s call for stronger social services reflects a broader provincial effort to improve outcomes for families, children, and individuals facing economic or social hardship.
Stakeholders, including municipal officials and health authorities, are expected to review the recommendations as part of their planning processes. The Order’s initiative underscores the role of professional bodies in shaping public policy, particularly during election cycles when policy proposals are under intense public scrutiny.
As Quebec moves toward the upcoming election, the five recommendations from the Order may influence the platforms of political parties and the priorities of future government action, with the ultimate goal of delivering more effective social support throughout the province.