A Troubling Trend in Quebec's Workforce

In Quebec, immigrants are suffering a shocking reality: they are injured at work more often than native-born residents. The challenge doesn't end with the injury; the real struggle begins as they face a convoluted rehabilitation system that further hinders their recovery and return to the job.

Startling Statistics Reveal the Disparity

Research from the Robert Sauvé Research Institute in Occupational Health and Safety reveals concerning trends. In 2016, foreign-born workers experienced 31% more workplace accidents compared to their Quebec-born counterparts, according to a study by the Commission on Standards, Equity, Health and Safety in the Workplace (CNESST). Notably, newcomers—those in Canada for under five years—are at an even greater risk, facing a 1.4 to 1.6 times higher chance of encountering an accident.

Alarmingly, despite making up 21% of the workforce, immigrants account for nearly 30% of long-term workers’ compensation claims (lasting over 90 days). This raises critical questions: Are immigrants more prone to serious injuries, or are they simply slower to report them, allowing conditions to worsen?

Reasons Behind Extended Recovery Times

Our studies indicate that immigrants frequently find themselves in high-risk jobs with little job stability or recognition of their professional qualifications. Compounding this danger are significant barriers in accessing compensation due to late injury reporting, administrative challenges, language obstacles, and a pervasive mistrust of institutions.

Many injured immigrants report feeling misunderstood or dismissed. They express concerns that their pain is viewed as exaggerated or worry about being perceived as untrustworthy. Such biases, often stemming from their backgrounds, erode the essential doctor-patient relationship.

The Vital Connection to Recovery

In our qualitative research, we explored how the 'therapeutic alliance'—where trust builds between healthcare professionals and patients—is frequently compromised. Workers describe a sense of disconnection from the system, feeling they must remain silent to avoid being perceived as a burden. One Caribbean worker noted her reluctance to voice concerns after experiencing resistance during her treatment for a lumbar sprain.

These sentiments lead to disengagement, reflecting not a lack of effort, but a palpable loss of purpose. Another individual shared how ongoing health issues led her to question her identity and career path, expressing a desire for change instead of merely returning to a role that no longer fits.

Innovative Yet Fragile Solutions

In light of these challenges, some healthcare organizations are embracing the 'relay alliance' concept, a strategy that involves identifying a trusted team member to guide the injured worker through the rehabilitation process. While promising, the success of this approach depends heavily on stable teams and effective communication.

Moving Toward Meaningful Change

The findings underscore an urgent need for systemic improvements: reducing pathway fragmentation, training teams about migration impacts, tailoring interventions to actual immigrant experiences, and valuing lived experience.

Organizations like CNESST are beginning to embrace these changes, using a co-construction strategy to develop intercultural communication tools based on real scenarios. As one rehabilitation manager remarked, this shift goes beyond individual training—it's a call for collective awareness and resources.

Rethinking Rehabilitation: A Call to Action

Behind each workplace injury lies a narrative that speaks to the broader societal choice—either to support or to marginalize. We must cultivate an equitable rehabilitation framework that acknowledges and values the diverse experiences and aspirations of all workers. Let’s transform discussions of diversity from mere slogans into actionable practices that genuinely reshape our institutions and perceptions around work.