The federal government has announced measures to enhance English-language healthcare services in Quebec. Peter Schiefke, MP for Vaudreuil, expressed concerns about constituents facing language barriers in accessing health services. Health Canada has allocated $52 million for programs in Quebec until 2028, with $20 million designated for training health-care workers at McGill University. The remaining funds will support the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) in advocating for English-speaking patients.
Jennifer Johnson, the executive director of CHSSN, highlighted the challenges faced by English speakers in Quebec, particularly those outside Montreal. The funding stems from the federal government’s initiative to promote official languages in Canada, introduced in 2023. The initiatives aim to improve access to care through community health networks, provide language training for professionals, and recruit bilingual staff.
Sherry Romanado, MP for Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, emphasized the importance of language in healthcare communication. Richard Walling, from Jeffery Hale Community Partners, welcomed the additional federal funding to support the English-speaking community in Quebec City. Sylvia Martin-Laforge of TALQ praised the federal investment, noting gaps in services for English-speaking Quebecers.
Despite attempts to contact Quebec’s minister responsible for Canadian relations, Simon Jolin-Barrette, for comment, there was no response from his office.