(Montreal) Quebec promises that there will be no barriers to the provision of health care or social services in English to members of the English-speaking community.
Three ministers from the Legault government published a letter in English on Friday aimed at the English-speaking media, seeking to set the record straight, in which they reaffirmed the right of every English-speaking person to access health and social services in English.
“This right is clear.”
The letter, signed by French language minister Jean-François Roberge and his colleagues Christian Dubey Health and Eric Girard, responsible for relations with English-speaking Quebecers, said, “This right is clear and in no way called into question.”
In Halifax, where he was attending a ministerial panel on the Canadian Francophonie, Minister Roberge announced that the directive emanating from Bill 96 had caused great concern and led to a cautious exit from some citizens of the English-speaking community. Addresses how English-speaking communities can reasonably deal with administrative issues in English.
No questions asked
“The government of Quebec has not taken any action, and will not take any action, to question the right of English speakers in Quebec to speak in the language of their choice, namely English.” Minister Roberge insisted forcefully.
The letter reminds both of them Health and Social Services Act that Charter of the French Language The government has approved regional access programs requested by guarantors of this right and, in addition, by the English-speaking community.
Incorrect recommendations
It was concluded that the order, which caused consternation within the community, did not restrict access in any way and “any suggestion to the contrary is false”, requiring no documentation or other evidence to demonstrate proper access to receive care. on the network.
“We understand that many people are concerned about this order,” wrote the three ministers, who promised to meet with representatives of the English-speaking community to reassure them. They say they are open to clarifying the order to leave no doubt that “Quebec will have no language requirements to treat a patient.”
Ottawa promised
Mr. With Roberge, federal languages minister, Randy Poissonault, explained that he had previously discussed the matter with the Quebec representative, and he welcomed the clarifications: “People are vulnerable when they present themselves in front of a doctor or a nurse. Working in the mother tongue is very important and I think the clarity provided by the Minister and his colleagues is a very promising step. »
“I know there are concerns among the English-speaking community in Quebec, among English-speakers, and this opportunity for the minister and his colleagues to clarify things is very important. »
Holland: Same thing for French speakers outside of Quebec
For his part, federal Health Minister Marc Holland said he was “absolutely” reassured by the Quebec ministers’ false statement. Speaking through a dental clinic in Quebec City, his colleague Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Marc Holland, welcomed the explanation: “It is clear to me that the Quebec government’s intention is to ensure that. The service will be available in both languages,” he announced.
“People need access to services [de santé] in their mother tongue. “It’s a question of one’s safety in the event of an emergency,” he argued, adding that the question is relevant to francophones living outside of Quebec. So the exact opposite is true outside of Quebec. It is essential that people get services in the language of their choice,” recalled the Union minister.
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