FAQ

Frequently asked questions

This section has been designed for general information purposes. It is neither legally binding nor intended to cover all possible scenarios. Each situation is different, and involves elements that need to be taken into account. Our FAQ (frequently asked questions) intends to shed some light on questions you may have.

 

Frequently asked questions about the health and social services network

Will my complaint entitle me to financial compensation?

NO! Whether you file a complaint with an institution’s complaints commissioner, the ombudsman, the medical examiner, the review committee or the syndic of a professional order, the purpose of this type of recourse is to improve the quality of services or to protect the public. If you wish to obtain financial compensation, you will need to take legal action. The burden of proof is on you, so it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a legal department.

 

 

 

Can my complaint overturn a decision by a youth court judge?

NO! You may be dissatisfied with the quality of services provided by youth protection. An investigation by a complaints commissioner or the ombudsman could, for example, recommend changing a case worker or adding a service. These bodies can take action to ensure compliance with rules, procedures and practices. However, they do not have the power to overturn a court decision ordering, for example, the placement of a child until he or she reaches the age of majority.

If your child’s situation has been reported to the DYP and you need information, consult the following guide: Your child has been reported to the DYP.

 

Is ambulance transport free?

Not necessarily!

Ambulance transportation to a hospital is not free. Most ambulance costs are covered by the Quebec government, but the user must pay the remaining costs, except in the case of exceptional circumstances. Here’s some useful information.

 

Can I get a copy of my medical file?

Generally speaking, yes, but there is a procedure to follow. In a public health institution, the request must be made in writing, signed and addressed to the institution’s Privacy Officer. Once your request has been received, it will be processed within 20 to 30 days.

Should your request be refused, the person in charge should inform you of the reasons for the refusal, as well as any possible recourse for review. Depending on the number of documents requested, you may be required to pay a fee. If you ever need guidance through this process, just contact us!

 

I need to receive care outside the region. Can I receive financial assistance for my travel?

Yes, there is a travel policy to help users who need to receive medically required care outside their region.

However, there is a procedure to follow and criteria to respect.

Frequently asked questions about private seniors’ residences

How to choose the right RPP?

First and foremost, set your budget! Then make a list of your needs and preferences, do your research and visit several of them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your visits (about prices, personal services, menus, security, TV service, etc.).

Take your time to compare and shop around. Ask for a written quote detailing information on the services and amenities offered, with a time frame that guarantees the price won’t change right away. Think about your needs and any specific items you’d like to negotiate BEFORE you sign your lease: a parking space, paint, ease of moving, a trial period…

And above all, don’t sign a lease under pressure. A lease is a contract, and once you’ve signed it, you’ll have to honor it.

I’ve received notice of a rent increase. Can I refuse?

Yes, you can!

When you receive a notice of increase or a notice announcing the modification of an element of your lease, you have 30 days to respond. So you don’t have to respond immediately to a landlord’s request. Take the time to evaluate the change you’ve been notified of and/or calculate the impact the increase will have on your monthly budget.

You have three choices, and 30 days to let the owner know what you’ve decided to do.

You can :

  • Notify the owner that you accept the modifications and/or increase

In this case, your lease will be renewed under the new conditions.

  • Aviser le propriétaire que vous refusez les modifications et/ou la hausse, mais que vous renouvelez votre bail, car vous voulez demeurer sur place.

Dans ce cas, votre bail sera reconduit. Vous conservez votre logement. Le propriétaire pourrait par contre s’adresser au tribunal administratif du logement pour que le tribunal tranche la question de la hausse et/ou des modifications proposées.

  • Aviser le propriétaire que vous refusez les modifications et/ou la hausse, car vous allez quitter votre logement.

Ne pas répondre au propriétaire dans les délais équivaut à accepter les hausses et modifications qu’il vous a envoyées. Voici le modèle de formulaire de réponse du locataire à l’avis d’augmentation de loyer à télécharger. Garder une preuve que vous avez transmis votre réponse au propriétaire et n’oubliez pas que nous pouvons vous aider à ce niveau !

What will happen with landlord if I refuse their raise?

Let’s break down a fear people may have: a landlord can’t kick you out because you said no to a rent increase!

The landlord who receives your refusal has 30 days to decide what he wants to do. He could:

  • Do nothing else. At that point, there would be no change in your lease, and your rent would remain the same for the next year.
  • Apply to the housing tribunal for a judge to set the price. If he chooses this route, he will have to demonstrate with several documents the need to increase the rent as he has indicated to you. You will be summoned as a tenant, given documents and the opportunity to ask questions about the elements submitted by the landlord.
  • The landlord may also try to negotiate with you to reach an amicable agreement. This negotiation is possible between you, right up to the time of the hearing. Remember, we can help!

 

What’s the difference between an RPA and an IR?

A private seniors’ residence (RPA) is an apartment building that provides services in addition to housing to its residents, and where the owner holds certification from the Ministry of Health and Social Services to operate. There is a lease between the owner and the resident, and it is the resident who pays the cost of the accommodation and services provided under the lease.

An intermediate residence (IR) is a type of housing chosen by the public network to provide a living environment for people who are losing their autonomy. More and more, the public network is reserving IR places in RPAs. Once a person has been assessed and is deemed to be eligible for an IR place reserved by the public network, he or she is no longer bound by any lease. The public establishment will notify the RAMQ, and it is the RAMQ that will determine the contribution to be paid by the adult accommodated in IR.

The amount of the contribution will depend on a number of factors, including your income. In 2024, the maximum contribution to be paid by a user living in an IR-type place is $1415.40, with the state paying the owner the remainder of the costs. To simulate your contribution or to find out more.

In short, if you are relocated to a care unit in an RPA and receive additional services there, but no request has been made to the public housing access mechanism and you still have a lease with your residence, then you are not living in an intermediate resource.

For assistance, contact us by phone at 418-662-6774 or toll-free at 1-877-767-2227, or by email at info@plaintesante.ca.

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