Quebec Unveils Bonuses to Reward Civil Servant Loyalty

Loyalty Program Spurs Controversy Amidst Deficit

The Quebec government is implementing a financial incentive program to reward civil servants. This initiative, which will dole out bonuses to those who stay in the same ministry or organization for extended periods, has generated some debate.

Bonus Details

Around 14,500 public employees who have remained in their positions will receive “employment loyalty” bonuses. Those with three years of continuous service in a single ministry or organization will get a lump sum of $300 annually. Employees who have served for five or more years in the same role will receive $800 each year.

Financial Context

Critics question the timing of these payments, given Quebec’s substantial $14 billion deficit and the push for fiscal restraint. The Treasury Board, under the direction of **Sonia Lebel**, stated the bonuses are part of the civil servants’ collective agreement, with the required funds already allocated within the government’s financial framework. The total amount distributed is $9,362,677.75.

Collective Agreement

These bonuses were negotiated during the renewal of the collective agreement with the union of the Public Service and Parapublique du Québec (SFPQ), which was finalized last fall. The stated goal is to retain experienced staff.

Hiring Freeze Impact

A job freeze that commenced on June 1st has added to external recruitment limitations. This is anticipated to boost the impact of the loyalty bonuses. Some ministries have halted staffing changes and promotions for about three weeks. According to the Treasury Board, the freeze seeks to ensure all ministries meet their workforce targets.

Other Rewards

In other areas, additional leave days serve as another reward for government employees. After three years of service in the same ministry, state employees receive an extra mobile leave day. By April 1st, workers with at least five consecutive years in the same role have three extra days in their holiday reserve.

Salary Increases

Civil servants in ministries and organizations saw the same salary increases as employees in the common union front, which amounted to 17.4% over five years.

Bonus Breakdown

• Starting April 1st, 2025, an employee who has completed three consecutive years in the same ministry or organization will get a $300 lump sum, contingent on satisfactory performance.
• Employees with five consecutive years of service in the same ministry or organization, also with a satisfactory performance record, will receive $800.

Source: Collective agreement 2023-2028 of civil servants affiliated with SFPQ

The government aims to lower its public debt, which, according to the Quebec Ministry of Finance, reached $270 billion in 2024 (Quebec Ministry of Finance, 2024).

Moving Forward

These incentives are part of a larger strategy to stabilize the workforce and retain institutional knowledge. The long-term impact of this program on both employee retention and public finances remains to be seen.