Annual Report. Regroupement des intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l Ontario (Rifssso)

Transcription

1 Annual Report Regroupement des intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l Ontario (Rifssso)

2 Message from the President and the Executive Director Rifssso and its members are proud to present this Annual Report, highlighting its accomplishments during the year In reading this Annual Report, you will note that, in the process of meeting its objectives, our organization participated in an impressive number of interventions and activities. By focusing on our strengths and working together, we had a very successful year. In looking back over the work that has been accomplished, we are very enthusiastic about the progress that has been made in certain key areas. Sylvie Beauvais One of the highlights of this year was our symposium entitled Un regard vers l avenir : les professionnels en santé et en services sociaux [Toward to the Future: Health and Social Services Professionals]. This symposium was a huge success, confirming Rifssso s effectiveness and credibility and enabling Francophone professionals to expand their knowledge, share their experiences, and network in order to offer the Francophone community high-quality health and social services. Through a variety of activities, Rifssso ensures that decision-makers are made aware of the needs and issues of Francophone health and social services professionals and those of Ontario s Francophone community. Many of our accomplishments were a success, thanks to the cooperation of our partners in health, education, and the community. It is through our concerted efforts, that we will find innovative ways to meet the needs of Ontario s Francophone community. Christiane Fontaine The issue of human resources in health and the social services is of critical importance. Through the program Carrières en santé et en services sociaux, young people in every corner of the province are being made aware of career opportunities in these fields. We are confident that this program will help build the workforce of the future. In closing, we would like to thank our entire staff for their dedication and professionalism. Over the past year, our Board of Directors welcomed four new members: Yollande Dweme M. Pitta, Michèle Lafrance, Bibiane Tremblay, and Richard Carrière. Their expertise will be an asset to Rifssso and we welcome them. We also wish every success to departing board members: Jean-Rock Boutin, Lynn Brouillette, and Sylvie Lauzon. We wish to express our gratitude to the entire Board of Directors for their invaluable contributions and informed opinions. Together, we are determined to meet the needs of Francophone health and social service professionals. We are focusing our efforts in order to address gaps in the areas of information, training and networking. We are ensuring that our work remains relevant to the ever-changing needs of the community. Sylvie Beauvais Président Christiane Fontaine Executive Director 1 Rifssso

3 Mission Rifssso is a growing network of stakeholders in health and social services that aims at developing and supporting professional leadership in its members. Srategic Results Rifssso will be increasingly solicited for its expertise during consultations on the development of policies and strategies in Ontario. Stakeholders will have shared resources and expertise. They will have used the professional competency development tools. Rifssso will have participated in the development of human resource planning strategies for the professionals who offer French-language health and social services in Ontario. Values Respect is the foundation of our relationships with our colleagues, members, and partners. We believe that every person deserves to be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity. Openmindedness is an important value for us. It enables all professionals to express their ideas and to cooperate and work together with an open mind and integrity in order to achieve common objectives. Inclusion is what enables each individual to feel included. It creates both a sense and a reality of belonging and helps each of us to reach our full potential. Partnership is the key element that enables us to take up challenges. It starts with the creation of a partnership and joining forces in order to achieve common goals. Integrity is the cornerstone of our administration. We are committed to getting results, measuring and reporting them, and making judicious use of the funds that are provided by our funding agencies. Rifssso 2

4 Introduction Much of the work that Rifssso accomplished over the past year revolves around two main strategies: Stakeholders will have developed professional competency by sharing resources and expertise and acquiring new intervention tools. and Rifssso will be solicited for its expertise during consultations on the development of policies and strategies for the planning of Francophone human resources in the health and social service sectors. The initiatives that have been taken are based on Rifssso s longstanding expertise in the area of Francophone health and social service human resources and the delivery of health services in French Ontario. The development of Rifssso s activities and interventions is based primarily on the needs of Francophone professionals. As a consequence, these activities emphasize the importance of making government decision-makers aware of the realities and needs of Francophone professionals, promoting networking amongst professionals, and supporting the development of their knowledge and expertise. Our activities Throughout the year, Rifssso was actively involved on numerous committees and working groups and at numerous meetings. Rifssso s expertise and interventions made it possible to raise the awareness of government decision-makers and enabled the colleges that represent the regulated health professions to find innovative solutions to the challenges that exist. Working proactively to analyze, diagnose, and formulate the best possible recommendations for its members and for all Francophone professionals, Rifssso helps to develop strategies and activities on issues relating to the planning of human resources in the health sector that have an impact on the level of delivery of health services to Ontario s Francophone communities. Where human resources in the health sector are concerned, cliquezsante.ca is a powerful tool for identifying Francophone professionals in the province. 3 Rifssso

5 This year, the number of professionals listed in this on-line directory increased by 20%. Two new sections were added: Job Offers which enables human resource professionals to post job openings within their organization, and Job Search, for use primarily by Francophone professionals seeking employment. More than 225 job openings were posted in this section. In the coming years, the development of this site will make it possible to offer decision-makers and managers within health and social service organizations a tool that will support them in their work. Participation Cooperation Consultation Participation in the work of the advisory committee of the Joint Commission on Francophone Human Resources in the Health Sector; Participation in the consultation on the development of a human resources master plan for Société Santé en français; Participation to a symposium on health literacy organized by the Canadian Public Health Association; Participation in the community consultation on the support that is offered to natural caregivers by the Association des femmes de la francophonie canadienne [Association of Women in Canada s Francophone Community]; Participation in the committee to make Ontario s multicultural community aware of the harmful affects of smoking and the TEACH Project of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; A partner in the regional health promotion forum in central-southwestern Ontario with Réseau franco-santé du Sud de l Ontario, the French-language Health Network of Southern Ontario; Participation in the regional conferences on health in French in Northern Ontario with Réseau francophone de santé du Nord de l Ontario, the French -language Health Network of Northern Ontario; Participation in the consultation on the development of the Specialist High Skills Major program in health and participation in the regional forum on community development organized by the Ministry of Education as part of the French Language Development Program, Programme de l aménagement linguistique; Participation in the Toronto French Language Health Services Committee, a working group made up of representatives of health organizations in the Greater Toronto Area; Participation in the community forum and Annual General Meeting of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l Ontario. Rifssso 4

6 Clearly, human resources planning is a major issue in the health sector. Our Vice President, Nicole Ranger, contributed her expertise and experience in this sector to the work of the French Language Health Services Advisory Council established by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. One of the objectives of this Council is to identify winning strategies that will support the development and improvement of French-language health services for Franco-Ontarians. The colleges of the regulated health professions are important to Rifssso; these colleges are key players in human resources planning in the health sector. We continue to make them aware of the importance of having a mechanism for identifying Francophone health professionals. These two initiatives will make it possible to create a provincial map of French-speaking health professionals in various health and social service sectors essential information for adequate human resources planning. With the support of the network of regional consultants of the French Language Health Services Office of the Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care, Rifssso is gradually developing links with the various Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) to ensure that their planning process takes into account the needs and challenges of Francophone professionals working in health agencies and organizations, as well as those of the Francophone citizens they serve. Capacity-building for High Quality Health services Capacity-building, in French, is of great importance to Francophone professionals in the health and social services sector. During the past year, numerous projects were implemented that made it possible to offer in-service training and to promote the sharing of expertise and networking. Our conference entitled Un regard vers l avenir : les professionnels en santé et en services sociaux [Toward the Future: Health and Social Services Professionals], held on October 31, November 1, and November 2, 20, in Toronto brought together over 100 Francophone professionals from every corner of the province. This conference also made government representatives aware of the needs of the health professionals and the challenges they encounter in the workplace. 5 Rifssso

7 In March 20, Rifssso and the Réseau des Centres ontariens de ressources pour la promotion de la santé (Réseau CORPS) [the Network of Ontario Centres for Health Promotion] worked with the Réseau franco -santé du Sud de l Ontario [the Francophone Health Network of Southern Ontario] to offer a regional forum entitled Partenaires dans l action: Santé en français! [Partners in Action: Health in French!]. Over 80 participants from central-southwestern Ontario had an opportunity to network and to participate in the workshops that were offered. In order to offer activities and develop strategies that support Francophone professionals in their work, Rifssso has become a forum for dialogue and innovative solutions. In its report entitled Rapport sur les besoins de formation et d information des intervenants francophones en intervention pluriethnique [Report on the training and information needs of Francophone health practitioners working in ethnically diverse settings], it closely examined the needs of those working with French-speaking ethnic groups. In its report entitled Une bonne communication est essentielle à des soins de santé de qualité Les interprètes médicaux professionnels [Good communication is essential to high-quality health care Professional medical interpreters], Rifssso took a critical look at the interpretation services that are offered in the health sector and identified best practices in this field. It also published Les défis du recrutement et de la rétention en milieu minoritaire francophone dans le secteur de la santé [The Challenges of recruiting and retaining health professionals in minority Francophone communities]. In this report, it examined different strategies for recruiting and retaining professionals used by health and social service agencies and organizations throughout the province. We also held consultations with professionals in various health care sectors that enabled us to identify the main challenges they face and the opportunities that are being offered to them. The results of these consultations can be found in the report Offrir des services de santé en francais. Défis et opportunités dont font face les ressources humaines [Offering Health Services in French. The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Human Resources]. These reports are now available on Rifssso s website at Through our information bulletins, the Regroupement, and cliquezsante.ca, over 2,000 Francophone professionals in every corner of the province are made aware of new resources, training activities, and conferences in French in the area of health and social services. Electronic discussion groups enable our members to share their expertise and work experience. Rifssso 6

8 Activities of Rifssso Members In 20-20, the Association francophone à l éducation des services à l enfance de l Ontario (AFÉSEO) took an important step with innovative projects. At its provincial forum L enfant la voix de l avenir! [Children the voices of the future!], over 120 participants had an opportunity to take part in a dozen workshops. In partnership with the Association francophone de parents d enfants dyslexiques, AFÉSEO launched a project entitled L aventure du parent entraîneur to support and raise parents awareness of their role as coaches in the education of their young children. Resources to support parents in this role are available on AFÉSEO s website. As part of this project, a series of workshops attended by over 200 people was offered across the province. AFÉSEO also opened an early childhood resource centre, Carrefour de ressources éducatives pour la petite enfance (CRÉPE), providing parents, educators, teachers, and the general public with access to a selection of French-language resources on early childhood. These resources are also available at Throughout the year, AFÉSEO worked closely with the interim board for the creation of the College of Early Childhood Educators, a selfregulating body that will protect the public interest and focus on professional standards for the practice of the profession. This college will be established sometime in AFÉSEO published four issues of its newsletter, L Écho de l AFÉSEO, to notify its members of developments in the world of early childhood education. Once again this year, AFÉSEO celebrated Early Childhood Educator Day on April 11, Rifssso

9 The theme of the 20 Social Work National Conference held by the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) was Human Rights in a Diverse Community, where over 500 people from across Canada attended. Some activities were offered in French: presentations and a luncheon enabled Francophone participants to share information on successful practices and the challenges they face. OASW also promoted Social Work Week, in keeping with the theme of the conference. Dan Andreae, OASW President, presented Richard Carrière with a Certificate of Honour, making him a lifetime member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers for his commitment to the movement. This honour is awarded to an OASW member who has made an exceptional contribution to the Association and to the profession. Richard sits on Rifssso s Board of Directors. At OASW offers its members an exclusive job search/job posting service where members can post their resumé, look for work, submit a job application, and access career services for free. The site is also a place where employers can post job vacancies and look for qualified candidates. The Regroupement des ergothérapeutes francophones de l Ontario (REFO) held its annual meeting on October 31, 20, during the Rifssso conference in Toronto and by teleconferencing from Timmins and Ottawa. Several issues were discussed, including training for Francophone occupational therapists, promoting occupational therapy, and membership. There were a few changes on the Board of Directors this year. Christine Labelle was elected President and Paulette Guitard became the Academic Affairs Representative. During the year, REFO researched various topics for training that could be offered during the winter of REFO also created a student award and Krystal Gravel of the University of Ottawa received the Award. REFO developed a poster for use in presentations on the profession of occupational therapy in French-language schools. It is posted on the REFO website. REFO continued to publish its newsletter, Nouvelles du REFO, to inform members of developments in the field of occupational therapy. Rifssso 8

10 In 20, the Groupe des infirmières et des infirmiers francophones de l Ontario (GIIFO) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 1998, Yvette Laforest-Fleisser and Paul-André Gauthier created an association that went on to become the association that officially represents Francophone nurses in Ontario was a very active year for GIIFO. President Paul-André Gauthier held interviews with various radio stations (Radio-Canada, CBON, and the French-language radio network of the CBC in Toronto and Windsor) and with TFO (on the program Panorama) to discuss the nursing shortage, the need to train more health care professionals, and the importance of offering nurses and new graduates full-time positions, if we are to retain them in their regions and indeed keep them in Ontario. Articles were also published in the Sudbury Voyageur and the Sudbury Star following open letters and interviews with the media. In May 20, GIIFO issued a press release in support of Nursing Week. GIIFO continues to publish its newsletter entitled Le Bulletin du GIIFO to keep members informed of activities throughout the province and of the work being done by its board of directors and the president. GIIFO Awards were given to two new nurses, Julie D Aigle of the University of Ottawa and Miguel Peck of Laurentian University. Both graduated from their university s French-language Nursing program. One of the criteria for this award is that the recipient practice in Ontario for at least 6 months. One important ongoing issue for GIIFO is the identification of Francophone professionals who are members of professional associations in Ontario. As he does each year, GIIFO s president took part in a meeting at Queen s Park in January 20 with RNAO. He once again asked Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman to identify the Francophone professionals who are members of the 21 professional health associations in Ontario. He also analyzed the list of professional associations that ask their members a language question. The president noted that there has been modest progress in this area in the past year (since February-March 20). On August 28, 20, he filed a complaint with the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner in order to discuss the situation with the MHLTC. Throughout the year, the president continued to be involved in discussions over nursing training in Ontario. 9 Rifssso

11 The Regroupement francophone des techniciennes et techniciens en éducation spécialisée de l Ontario (RFTÉSO) held its annual meeting on November 2, 20, during the RIFSSSO conference. Its chair, Raymond Lebrecque, presented an overview of RFTÉSO s objectives and upcoming projects. This year, the mandates of Jocelyne Desbiens (Eastern region representative) and Amélie Parenteau-Comfort (La Cité collégiale student representative) ended on the RFTÉSO Board of Directors. Thanks to financial support from the Fondation franco-ontarienne, two groups of students from the Special Education Technician programs at Collège Boréal and La Cité collégiale were able to attend the Rifssso conference, Un regard sur l avenir, which was held in Toronto. Based on the students comments, their participation in this event was very beneficial. They left with excellent resources that will be useful to them in their careers in the field of special education. They also met with other participants working in minority settings. RFTÉSO continues to keep its members informed of various subjects that affect their profession through its newsletter Info du RFTÉSO. Continuing education is one of the activities that the Regroupement des hygiénistes dentaires francophones de l Ontario (RHDFO) strongly supports for its members. RHDFO s workshops are always very popular. Over the course of 20-20, three topics were addressed: Les habitudes Myo fonctionnelles partie 2 [Myofunctional habits Part 2], which offered information on interventions related to thumbsucking; La santé par le rire [Health through laughter], which addressed stress management through laughter and humour; and La jurisprudence et le portfolio professionnel [Jurisprudence and the professional portfolio], which focused on malpractice, the Regulated Health Professions Act, and consent to treatment. This year, RHDFO awarded two $100 scholarships to deserving students who completed their college program in dental hygiene. Mélanie Rouleau of Collège Boréal and Mireille Marleau of La Cité collégiale were the recipients of these scholarships. In addition, to keep its members informed of the latest developments in the field of dental hygiene, RHDFO continues to publish its newsletter Bucco-Info. Rifssso 10

12 The Regroupement des diététistes francophones de l Ontario (RDFO) held its annual general meeting via audioconferencing on June 7, 20, from the site of the annual conference of Dietitians of Canada, which took place in Vancouver, B.C. Dr. Angelo Tremblay of Université Laval (Quebec) was invited to speak to participants on the topic of Traitement de l obésité : le défi du devis alimentaire santé [The treatment of obesity: the food-health challenge]. The new board of directors of the RDFO met six times in to plan activities. Members reviewed their vision, mission, and values. A new student position was added to the board of directors to increase the representation of Francophone students in the field of dietetics. Over this year, RDFO supported the creation of the new Baccalaureate in Nutrition Sciences program at the University of Ottawa. The 42 students enrolled in the program have become RDFO members, revitalizing the network. In addition, this year, this group participated in the evaluation of the College of Dieticians of Ontario s Jurisprudence Knowledge and Assessment Tool (JKAT). This tool will be available to Francophone dieticians in Ontario in early It also participated in the Rifssso conference and activities promoting careers in dietetics to the province s young Francophones. RDFO s work with Dieticians of Canada made it possible to increase the organization s awareness of the importance of offering annual conferences in bilingual cities and also offering more workshops in French. Dieticians of Canada decided to hold its 2010 annual conference in Montreal, Quebec. RDFO continues to keep its members informed of news in the field of dietetics through its newsletter Coll action and its e-newsletter Coll action express. 11 Rifssso

13 The Regroupement des audiologistes et orthophonistes francophones de l Ontario (RAOFO) organized the second Journées orthophoniques en langage écrit [Speech Therapy and the Written Language Days] on May 29 and 30, 20. Over these two days of training in speech therapy, some 50 participants increased their knowledge of new research in the field of learning disabilities and the written language. Renowned speakers shared their tools and experiences. Alain Desrochers from the University of Ottawa School of Psychology gave a presentation that included a systematic list of criteria that can be used to evaluate the quality and relevance of speech therapy evaluation tools. Sophie Terrasse presented specific examples of the use of art therapy with dyslexic and dysorthographic children. Myriam Mathon, a speech therapist, demonstrated various tools used in evaluation and intervention. The Regroupement des physiothérapeutes francophones de l Ontario (RPFO) was active in During the Rifssso conference, Un regard vers l avenir, which was held in Toronto in the fall, Charles Tardif and Louis E. Tremblay offered a workshop and presented an evaluation tool to measure Ontario Francophones satisfaction with rehabilitation services received in the home. This tool is called La mesure de la satisfaction des soins de réadaptation reçus à domicile pour la population francophone de l Ontario. Louis also represented RPFO during the Forum sur l équité linguistique en matière d évaluation des diplômes [Forum on linguistic equality in the evaluation of academic qualifications] organized by the Consortium national de formation en santé (CFNS). During the second Forum national de recherche en santé [National health research forum], Charles offered a workshop on the tool used to measure Ontario Francophones satisfaction with rehabilitation services received in the home. During this forum, he was honoured for his research on this topic. Thanks to the work of summer student Karine Gagnon, RPFO updated its directory of French-language evaluation tools for use in the field of rehabilitation, in preparation for publishing a second edition. The directory contains an analysis of over 150 Frenchlanguage evaluation tools used in research, in clinical practice, and for training future rehabilitation professionals. Rifssso 12

14 Careers in Health and Social Services Carrières en santé et en services sociaux, the Frenchlanguage program to promote careers in health and social services, continues to offer activities in schools that request them. Three Career Days were organized in central southwestern Ontario, enabling young people in London, Welland, and Barrie to learn more about careers in health and social services. In cooperation with a team of regional consultants from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care s Frenchlanguage Health Services Office, a tour of Francophone high schools in northern Ontario was conducted in the fall. New information tools and activities for young people were also developed to respond to the information needs of this age group. This year, with funding from the Ministry of Education, a guide entitled Explorez vos horizons [Exploring Your Horizons] was used to help students in Grades 4 to 8 to explore various careers. It was distributed in all of the Francophone elementary schools and came with an activity guide. Info Carrière newsletters keep guidance counsellors informed of activities that are being held across Ontario and new resources that are being developed. A survey of Grade 12 Francophones in northern and central southwestern Ontario confirms that these activities are having an impact. New activities will be developed to meet the needs of our young Francophones. This program has been recognized as one of the best ways to recruit future professionals. At the third conference of Société Santé en français, the various tools developed in the context of this program were shared with Francophone stakeholders from other parts of the country. Our many partners allows a wide range of activities to be offered in the province: Collège Boréal, La Cité collégiale, Laurentian University, University of Ottawa, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care, Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Telemedicine Network, Réseau franco-santé du Sud de l Ontario, and many others. 13 Rifssso

15 The numbers speak for themselves! Table 1: Participation, by category of activity students participated in the French-language Careers in Health and Social Services program in central southwestern Ontario in students participated in the French-language Careers in Health and Social Services program in northern Ontario in students participated in the French-language Careers in Health and Social Services program in eastern Ontario in Table 2: Percentage of students who participated in the Careers Program in Career days 7% Information booths 3% Telemedecine 3% Career fairs 47% Classroom presentations 40% Rifssso 14

16 Conclusion As the Annual Report demonstrates, Rifssso is at the centre of efforts to support the development of leadership in Francophone professionals working in the fields of health and social services. Much remains to be done, but we also need to take the time to acknowledge what has been accomplished was a very full year. There is no doubt that the commitment demonstrated by Rifssso and its partners to increase awareness and understanding amongst key players in the health and social services system will help to improve access to quality health services for Francophones in Ontario. 15 Rifssso

17 Unconsolidated Statement of Income and Changes in Net Assets Regroupement des intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l Ontario Income Grant Human Resources and Social Development Canada Grant Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Grant Ontario Ministry of Community And Social Services Interest income Other income Membership dues $ 4, , , ,877 4, ,955 Expenses Purchase of services General Insurance Other Benefits Expenses relating to the MOH partnership project Travel Professional development Supplies Professional fees Consultant fees Interest and banking fees Rent Photocopies and printing Salaries Telephone 1,710 8,032 1,378 20,402-70,717 1,628 13,847 10, ,367 54, ,312 12, ,848 Excess (Deficiency) of income over expenses, before the following items Deletion of grant related to the project for Francophone Capacity-building in professional health and social services organizations Excess (Deficiency) of income over expenses - (4,893) (4,893) Balance of net assets at the beginning of the fiscal year Errors from previous periods (Note 8) Restated balance of net assets at the beginning of the fiscal year Balance of net assets at the end of the fiscal year (17,992) 24,965 6,973 2,0 Rifssso 16

18 Rifssso Board of Directors on March 31, 20 From left to right: Sylvie Beauvais, Nicole Ranger, Yollande Dweme M. Pitta, Sylvie Boulet, Richard Carrière, Denyse Pharand, Jocelyne Bédard, Michèle Lafrance Sylvie Beauvais, President Nicole Ranger, Vice President Sylvie Boulet, Secretary-Treasurer Jocelyne Bédard Michèle Lafrance Anne Toth Richard Carrière Denyse Pharand Yollande Dweme M. Pitta Rifssso Staff on March 31, 20 Christiane Fontaine, Executive Director Daniéla Goldsmith, Communications Officer Adolphine Mukamanzi, Project Coordinator Carrières en santé et en services sociaux Monique LeBlanc, Administrative Assistant Members Association Presidents on March 31, 20 From left to right: Carolle Lepage, Paul- André Gauthier, Christine Richard (représentante des diététistes), Louis Tremblay, Christine Labelle Josée Latulipe, AFÉSEO Renée Mallet, Francophone Group of ATTSO Paul-André Gauthier, GIIFO Géraldine Wickert, RAOFO Joëlle Zorzetto, RDFO Marc-André Charette, REFO Raymond Labrecque, RFTÉSO Carolle Lepage, RHDFO Louis Tremblay, RPFO We thank the following funding agencies for their support: The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services Canadian Heritage and any other organization that contributed to the success of RIFSSSO in Rifssso

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20 RIFSSSO is a network of stakeholders in health and social services that works to promote professional leadership among its members. To learn more about Rifssso, please visit Regroupement des intervenants francophones en santé et en services sociaux de l Ontario (Rifssso) 2 Gloucester Street, suite 205 Toronto ON M4Y 1L5 Tel.: Fax: rifssso@rifssso.ca