Last updated: October 9, 2025
The major tripartite project led by Santé en français, in partnership with the Francophone Affairs Secretariat and Shared Health, came to an end on March 31, 2023. Launched in spring 2018, the project unfolded as follows:
2018‑2021 – Two projects submitted jointly by the three partners (Shared Health, Francophone Affairs Secretariat, Santé en français)
- Integration of French-language services into the new Shared Health organization
- Provincial strategy for bilingual human resources to improve the delivery of services in French
2021‑2023 – A three-part project submitted jointly by the three partners (Shared Health, Francophone Affairs Secretariat, Santé en français)
- Integration of French-language services (continued)
- Provincial bilingual human resources strategy (continued)
- Data collection approach (OZi) (new)
N.B.: Additional 2022–2023 funding – A project to address language insecurity among health care employees.
This major tripartite initiative was developed in a spirit of collaboration. The work was supported by the Expert Committee, composed of leaders from Manitoba’s health and francophone communities. Established to provide advice throughout the process, the committee ensured the work aligned with the broader transformation of the health care system. Throughout, the importance of safeguarding key assets remained central to our efforts:
- Compliance with laws, regulations and designations
- Obligation to serve the francophone community and support its vitality
- Reinforcement of Santé en français’ role in representing the French-speaking community
- Respect for francophone institutions (created by francophones, for francophones)
- Respect for the use of French in designated bilingual facilities
- French-language education and support for staff learners
At the conclusion of the project, the desired improvements can be summarized as follows:
- Improved coordination and flexibility: partner engagement; establishment of the Francophone Health Provincial Lead position at Shared Health; creation of coordination structures; adoption of the provincial strategic plan for French-language services
- Alignment with francophone community populations: identification of priority groups; improvements to the system for identifying French-speaking patients; plans in development with three programs, including:
- Mental health and addictions (Centre for Innovation in Health Care)
- Public health (WRHA)
- Children’s health (Children’s Hospital)
The aim is to implement a new bilingualism model to providing French-language services to program clients regardless of location in the province.
- Critical mass of employees and better coordination: implementation of the bilingualism model
- Rigorous human resources strategy aligned with post-secondary institutions: identification of necessary changes to payroll and HR systems; development of roadmaps and best practices to support and train students; creation of a process to identify bilingual sites ready to host bilingual interns; HR development plans for bilingual professionals; formal engagement with the University of Manitoba (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) to identify bilingual students in health sciences programs
- Improved access by maximizing the “hub” model: integration into clinical service planning; tools to support clinical teams in incorporating the francophone perspective
- Better understanding of francophone community needs: identification of priority populations; improvements to the patient identification system (ADT); development of the bilingualism model; OZi data analysis
- Stronger employee support: collective agreements (new provisions for French-language services and designated bilingual positions); memorandums of understanding negotiated; policies developed; language insecurity initiative; language assessment strategy identified; presentations to senior management
- Alignment with HSO standards (patient safety): integration of OZi questionnaires into data collection and analysis
Implementation of a long-term vision, strengthened partnerships and a collaborative structure are key components needed to establish a solid foundation for the future of French-language health services across the province. The completion of this project is only the beginning of efforts to ensure the sustainability of these health care services in French. Priorities for the future can be summarized as follows:
- Standardized provincial approach to language proficiency assessment
- Internships in bilingual environments
- Identification of bilingual students in English-language programs
- Provincial awareness of the impact of professional regulatory bodies’ requirements on recognition of foreign diplomas
- Permanent standardized data collection through OZi
- Participation of regional health authorities and designated francophone and bilingual facilities in the Official Languages Recognition Program (Accreditation Canada)
- Identification of a potential project with Health Canada to further integrate French-language services
