By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Quebec’s long-term care system is facing a funding crisis that could force the closure of 1,200 beds in private subsidized CHSLDs, exacerbating an already strained healthcare network. Annick Lavoie, Director General of the Association des établissements privés conventionnés (AEPC), warns that without immediate government action, seniors will bear the brunt of the financial shortfall.
Lavoie explained in an interview that the issue stems from years of inadequate budget indexation for essential goods such as food and cleaning supplies. “Over the past five years, our budget for essentials like food and cleaning supplies has fallen behind by about 12 per cent,” she said. While funding for direct healthcare services remains stable, facilities are struggling to maintain day-to-day operational standards.
The impact is already being felt in CHSLDs, where cleaning protocols and food quality have been affected. “During COVID-19, we cleaned three times a day,” Lavoie noted. “Now, we may only be able to do it once because we simply don’t have the budget for the supplies and manpower.”
Food services are another area being compromised. With the rising cost of fresh produce, some homes may have to turn to canned alternatives. “Instead of fresh vegetables and fruit, we may have to rely on canned goods,” Lavoie said. “It’s unfortunate because fresh food is more nutritious and tastes better.”
According to a press release signed by Lavoie and AEPC board president Stéphane Roy, the financial instability is the result of a long-standing underfunding issue. The organization has been urging the Quebec government to revise its funding model for years, warning that failure to act will lead to serious consequences for both seniors and the broader healthcare system. The AEPC argues that private subsidized CHSLDs provide the same services as public facilities, employing unionized staff under identical conditions, yet they are being left to struggle financially.
The situation is particularly concerning given the already significant waiting list for long-term care in Quebec. “The waiting list is already more than 3,500 people—probably closer to 4,000,” Lavoie explained. “If 1,200 beds close, that number will only rise, which will put more pressure on hospitals. People who should be in long-term care will remain stuck in hospital beds, causing backlogs in emergency rooms.”
The AEPC has had discussions with government officials, including ministers and bureaucrats, but so far, no concrete solutions have emerged. “We’ve met with the government, but so far, there’s no solution in sight,” Lavoie said. “We understand there are financial constraints, but it’s always the most vulnerable people who suffer, and that’s unfair.”
Beyond the impact on seniors and the healthcare system, CHSLD employees are also feeling the strain. Staff in these facilities work under the same conditions as public healthcare workers, yet they are now expected to do more with fewer resources. “Our staff is dedicated and hardworking, but there’s only so much they can do without proper funding,” Lavoie said. “They face increasing workloads, and that eventually takes a toll.”
This funding shortfall is not a new issue. The AEPC has been calling for increased financial support for years, arguing that private subsidized CHSLDs provide a cost-effective solution for long-term care. “We make the most of every public dollar invested,” the AEPC’s press release stated. “But instead of strengthening these facilities, the government is letting them struggle financially.”
The situation is further complicated by the government’s own stance on private subsidized CHSLDs. Premier François Legault has publicly endorsed the convention model, aiming to accelerate the process of bringing private long-term care homes under government agreements. Yet, despite this commitment, funding has not kept pace with rising operational costs.
“If the government truly believes in this model, they need to back it with adequate funding,” Lavoie said. “We can’t continue operating like this while trying to provide high-quality care.”
The organization is now ramping up efforts to raise public awareness and pressure the government ahead of the 2025-2026 budget. In their open letter, Lavoie and Roy emphasize that “the time for discussions is over” and that immediate investments are necessary to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. “Doing nothing means losing beds in private CHSLDs. Acting now ensures seniors get the care they deserve in a stable, humane environment,” they wrote, stressing that government inaction is not an option.
Lavoie is urging the province to act quickly before closures become inevitable. “We need the government to act fast,” she said. “The waiting list is already too long, and if nothing is done, the situation will only get worse.”