Daycare centre first subject to Quebec’s new public well-being strike law

A sign at the Administrative Labour Tribunal, photographed on Jan. 30, 2024, in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

A new law introduced by Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet on services to ensure the well-being of the population in the event of a strike or lockout has now been applied for the first time.

The Administrative Labour Tribunal has ruled that the daycare centre CPE Le Jardin de Robi, in Roberval, and the union affiliated with the Confédération des syndicats nationaux are subject to the provisions of the new law.

During the strike, the parties will therefore have to ensure that services are maintained to safeguard the well-being of the population. Previously, provisions referred to “essential services” to be maintained during a strike, based on public health and safety. The new law instead sets the standard of services required to ensure the well-being of the population.

As part of the first stage in applying the new legislation, the tribunal first had to determine whether the union and the employer should be subject to the law. It has now ruled that they are.

The parties will now have seven days to negotiate which services must be minimally maintained to avoid a disproportionate impact from the strike on the 84 children who attend the early childhood centre and their parents.

An unlimited general strike was launched there on Oct. 22.

The tribunal will review the case again, whether or not the union and employer reach an agreement. It must ensure the services provided are sufficient.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 13, 2026.