Press release
Review and outlook for 2025-2026

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) looks back on 2025 as a year marked by the complete failure of François Legault’s government which, after seven years in power, has done nothing to address the crises in housing, homelessness, the rising cost of living, health care, or education. 

Hear QFL President Magali Picard reflect on 2025 during her interview with Patrick Lagacé (French) 

“In an attempt to hide its failures, this government, now nearing the end of its mandate, has chosen to divide by cynically targeting migrants, physicians, and unions as scapegoats for the crises we are facing. This government is also abandoning the thousands of workers who are losing their jobs, as well as businesses struggling because of the tariff war being waged by our neighbours to the south. Where is the plan to get us out of this crisis?” asked QFL President Magali Picard and Secretary General Olivier Carrière. 

“The people of Quebec must also become aware of this government’s democratic drift through its bills and laws, which have a single objective: to silence civil society and labour organizations by interfering in their governance and undermining their right to challenge arbitrary legislation. The so-called constitutional bill, hastily drafted, is yet another example of this drift. It is also a bill that threatens women’s right to abortion,” added QFL President Magali Picard. 

At the federal level, the QFL intends to continue its discussions with the Liberal government, which supports social dialogue, while remaining fully aware that significant battles still lie ahead. 

Furthermore, at the conclusion of the QFL’s 34th Convention, held in Quebec City last November, delegates representing the QFL’s 33 affiliated major unions adopted more than 150 resolutions, thereby reaffirming the federation’s mandates and its political representation role, as well as that of its leadership. In 2026, the FTQ and its union partners will continue their collective reflection through the États généraux du syndicalisme. 

“Launched in the spring of 2025, this process shows that our organizations are mature enough to engage in self-reflection, reassess our approaches, strengthen solidarity, identify what works, and recognize where we need to do better, all with the goal of better meeting the expectations of the people we represent,” added Secretary General Olivier Carrière. 

Finally, in this election year, the QFL is determined to ensure that the voices of workers are heard and taken into account on the key issues of the upcoming vote. “More than ever, and empowered by its mandates, the QFL remains firmly committed to defending the Quebec model built by those who came before us. The QFL’s mission remains unchanged: to defend dignity at work, improve people’s lives and our social safety net, and work together to build a society that is more just, more equal, more inclusive, and greener,” the union leaders concluded. 

The QFL, Quebec’s largest labour federation, represents more than 600,000 workers. 

Translated into English by SEU 800 from the original French-language press release issued by the QFL.