Encouraged by the results of a $25,000 scholarship offered to young professionals going into the public sector, François Legault’s government expects to have filled all psychology positions in the health network in two years.
This is the timetable set by the Minister responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, on Thursday during the study of his ministry’s budgetary appropriations in the National Assembly. “The first year in which we will have filled our positions is 2026,” noted the CAQ elected official, who answered questions from PQ MP Joël Arseneau.
According to him, this is the effect of the scholarships for psychology internships launched last year by his government. “This year, 25 [psychologues] will join the network. [Et] 40 next year,” he added.
At last count, the public psychology network employed 2,271 psychologists. According to figures provided by Mr. Carmant’s office, Thursday evening, the need will stand at 2,461 in 2026.
How can the minister hope to reduce this gap after the hemorrhage suffered by the public health system in recent years? The scholarships, but also the new agreements concluded with the union which represents psychologists, the Alliance of Professional and Technical Personnel in Health and Social Services (APTS).
“We hope to keep them now that we have increased their salaries by 30%, too,” he said. The network lost the equivalent of 9 full-time equivalent (FTE) psychologists last year, less than in previous years, rejoiced Mr. Carmant.
Karine Gauthier, from the Coalition of Public Network Psychologists, was very surprised on Thursday by the minister’s comments. “It doesn’t reflect the echoes I have from the field.” It’s good to fill positions, she said, but we still have to ensure that the recruits stay.
“In some settings, 65% of new psychologists have left,” she noted. Since the scholarships are temporary, there is a risk that new psychologists hired will not stay long, she argues.
According to the David report on mental health tabled a year ago, the number of psychologists working primarily for the public decreased by 313 between 2011 and 2021 while needs are growing.
Further details will follow.