FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES PLAN

Transcription

1 FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES PLAN

2 CONTENTS 1. Introduction Linguistic Duality Definitions Background Regional Profile Profile of the French-speaking population/francophone community Health Services Values, Vision, Mission and Strategic Priorities Guiding Principles Implementation Planning for French Language Service Delivery Key Partners Signature and Approval of the FLS Plan for the Interlake Regional Health Authority 17 APPENDICES A. Government of Manitoba s FLS Policy. 18 B. Map of Designated Areas under the Government of Manitoba s FLS Policy.. 19 C. Map of Interlake-Eastern Region 20 D. Designated Facilities E. Status of Designated Bilingual Positions F. Santé en français including Organizational Chart.. 23 G. Terms of Reference-FLS Community Advisory Committees. 24 H. Terms of Reference-FLS Regional Advisory Committee 25 Mobile Wellness-St. Laurent, June 2013 Photo courtesy of Lori Carrière

3 INTRODUCTION The French Language Services Regulation (46/98) of The Regional Health Authorities Act (C.C.S.M. c. R34) requires that designated Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) in the province of Manitoba develop French Language Services (FLS) Plans. In keeping with this requirement the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority developed its FLS Plan for 2013 to Within the context of overall provincial and regional strategies, the FLS Plan supports an integrated approach in ensuring and improving access to health services in French in the Interlake-Eastern region. The Senior Leadership structure of Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, established in 2012, includes a Vice President of Community Service and Chief Allied Health Officer that has responsibility for French language services. This 5-year FLS Plan for will be accompanied by an annual FLS action plan. The annual FLS action plans will be developed by the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority French Language Services Committee in collaboration with community partners, stakeholders and the regional management team. The former Interlake Regional Health Authority and North Eastman Health Association have merged to become the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. There will be references, throughout this document, to the former Interlake Regional Health Authority and North Eastman Health Association when referring to content predating April If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart. ~Nelson Mandela~ Page 3 of 26

4 LINGUISTIC DUALITY In Canada, linguistic duality is one of the fundamental dimensions of history. As a multicultural society, Canada s two official languages, English and French, have retained their special status as languages used in the public domain. Access to health services in one s own language: a) means far more than simply respect for that person s culture: it is, at times, indispensable for improving health and for people s taking ownership of their own health. 1 b) has a positive impact beyond demonstrating simple respect for that individual s culture; it is vital for the improvement of individual health and the well-being of the community. 2 Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things. Flora Lewis ``Active Offer with Ease Workshop: St. Laurent Pine Falls, March Photo courtesy of Lori Carriere 1 Consultative Committee for French-Speaking Minority Communities - Report to the Federal Minister of Health, Canadian Nurse- March 2006 volume 102 Number 2 Page 4 of 26

5 DEFINITIONS Active Offer The set of measures taken to ensure that French language services (FLS) are readily available, publicized, easily accessible and that the quality of these services is comparable to that of services offered in English. Bilingual (Employee) An individual with the ability to communicate proficiently in both official languages (having sound knowledge and command of English and French). Bilingualism Required The requirement to be able to communicate in both official languages, which is a bona fide occupational requirement for designated bilingual positions. Designated Bilingual Health Facilities, Programs and Services Facility programs and services that are required to actively offer services in both French and English, pursuant to the Government of Manitoba French Language Services Policy (Manitoba FLS Policy see appendix A; for a listing of bilingual facilities see appendix D). Designated Bilingual Position A position that must be filled by an individual who speaks both official languages and who is able to adequately deliver comparable service in both official languages, in accordance with the requirements of the FLS Policy, the Active Offer concept and the Interlake-Eastern RHA FLS Plan. French Language Services Coordinator An RHA employee with particular and specific responsibilities for implementation of French language services in accordance with the Provincial French Language Services Policy. French Language Services The set of written, verbal, audio-visual and electronic communications in the French language which provides information or assistance to the members of the Francophone community and which is comparable to the community s English language communications. Service Delivery Points Locations where RHA services are provided, including but not limited to RHA facilities, community services offices or the client s home or workplace. Look for this symbol that identifies the locations and persons that offer services in French in Manitoba facilities that are designated bilingual. Page 5 of 26

6 FLS Plan Interlake-Eastern RHA BACKGROUND The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority undertakes to provide health care services in French to its French-speaking population in accordance with: The Government of Manitoba French Language Services (FLS) FLS Policy (see appendix A) Manitoba Health s Designation Policy for Francophone and Bilingual Facilities, Programs and Services Regulation 46/98 of The Regional Health Authorities Act (C.C.S.M. c R34) In May of 1998, Judge Richard Chartier produced the document Above All Common Sense/Avant toutepopulation chose, le in bon sens which speaking accordance with the Government identified of the Manitoba s need for French completely Language 1, and Regulation 46/98 of Services (FLS) FLS Policy bilingual service centres and partially the Regional Health Authorities Act (C.C.S.M. c R34) bilingual centres. in under (See Appendix A MapSubsequently, of Designated Areas the Government of the Manitoba s FLS Policy). March of 1999, Government of Manitoba revised the FLS Policy to reflect the recommendations 1 outlined in the Chartier Report. In April 2012 the Interlake-Eastern Regional Authority was formed. In 2013, the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority reviewed both the French Language Services Plan of the former Interlake Regional Health Authority, and the French Language Services Plan of the former North Eastman Regional Health Association. Consultations were held with the French Language Services Community Advisory Committees of St. Laurent and Blue Water, and Santé en français, to develop a new 5-year Strategic Plan for In October 2004, the Government of Manitoba designated Santé en français as the official representative of the Francophone community in the areas of health and social services. Santé en français plays a leadership and coordination role to foster access to quality French language services (FLS) in the areas of health and social services. The composition of the Board of Directors and the various committees of Santé en français is based on the general philosophy that the membership of these bodies should include representation from government and the RHAs in order to promote dialogue and the development of solutions by all stakeholders together. The composition of the Board of Directors and the various committees of Santé en français, including the Regional Round Tables and the Managerial Round Table, are set out in Appendix F. Page 6 of 26 In September, 2013, The Regional Health Authorities Act was amended to include protocol for bilingual and francophone facility designation. A provincial Designation Policy for Francophone and Bilingual Facilities, Programs and Services was created by Manitoba Health as a result. These have been incorporated into the Interlake-Eastern FLS plan.

7 REGIONAL PROFILE Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is responsible for the planning and delivery of health care services to meet the needs of the population we serve. This is achieved through an accredited and integrated network of community and health care facility based programs and services. With an area of 61,000 square kilometres, the region extends east to the Ontario border, north to the 53rd parallel, west to the eastern shores of Lake Manitoba and south to Winnipeg s north perimeter dipping down just past Winnipeg to slightly below the Trans-Canada Highway eastwards to Ontario. A significant portion of the region is considered northern with a remote area accessible only by air, water or a winter road system. There are over 124,000 people living in the region with a population that increases exponentially over the summer with cottage owners and vacationers enjoying the multitude of lakes and beaches within our boundaries. We are culturally diverse with Aboriginal populations comprising 22 per cent of the region s residents inclusive of 17 First Nation communities. We are a provincially designated bilingual regional health authority. The largest concentrations of Francophone in the region are located in the communities of St. Laurent, St-Georges and Powerview-Pine Falls. Economically the region is diverse and includes agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry, hydroelectric power and tourism. Seasonal recreation is abundant and this activity has a direct impact on the demand for health care services in the region. There is significant disparity across the region in both terms of health and economic status. The majority of our residents report they are in good to excellent health. Within the context of provincial policy direction, the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority assesses and prioritizes health services based upon the most current information available and best practices. A region wide focus is placed on health and wellness. Strong community partnerships are essential to our success and value a collaboration approach. We welcome participation with all community groups and are committed to providing comprehensive, integrated and accessible health care services in the achievement of strategic priorities within the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Active Offer Workshop-St. Laurent- Photo courtesy of Lori Carrière Page 7 of 26

8 PROFILE OF THE INTERLAKE-EASTERN REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY S FRENCH-SPEAKING POPULATION / FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITIES According to the 2011 Census Rural Municipality Total population Identifying as Bilingual (knowledge of both official languages) French as Mother Tongue (includes multiple responses) 1 Number % of total Number % of total Alexander 2, St. Laurent Powerview-Pine Falls Source: Statistics Canada Alexander, Manitoba (Code ); St. Laurent, Manitoba (Code ), Powerview-Pine Falls, Manitoba (Code ). Census Profile Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, (accessed January 28, 2013). St. Laurent The largest concentration of the French-speaking population per capita in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is in the R.M. of St. Laurent, which is located on the shore of Lake Manitoba approximately, 70 kilometres northwest of the City of Winnipeg. The RM of St. Laurent and the RM of Alexander are both situated on the shores of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg respectively. They experience a large swell in population over the summer months with cottage owners and vacationers, a significant number of whom are French-speaking. St. Laurent was established in 1824 by French-speaking Métis, and is today the community with the largest concentration of Métis in Manitoba and in North America². St. Laurent is located in the heart of the Interlake s cottage country. St-Georges and Powerview-Pine Falls The Town of Powerview-Pine Falls and the Rural Municipality of Alexander are located on the southeast basin of Lake Winnipeg. St-Georges is among one of the largest communities in the RM of Alexander with a population of well over 400. The community originates back to 1882 with the arrival of the first settlers from Châteauguay, Quebec. These settlers established homesteads throughout the St-Georges and Powerview area. Today the St-Georges elderly persons home, Foyer Châteauguay, and the Festival Châteauguay are named to honour these ties. In terms of numbers, the Francophone population of Alexander is concentrated primarily in the community of St-Georges, with smaller pockets also living in the Albert Beach and Bird River areas. The community of St-Georges is considered the heart of the Blue Water francophone community and is located just southeast of Powerview-Pine Falls All three Rural Municipalities located within the Interlake-Eastern RHA s bilingually designated areas are members of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM). Members of the AMBM have adopted a policy of actively offering bilingual services to their residents and recognize the French language as an added value to their communities. 1 Includes those individuals identifying as having French + one other language as their Mother Tongue. ² Analysis of the Health Service Needs of the Francophone and Metis Population of St. Laurent, Gousseau, 2003 Page 8 of 26

9 Education There are two francophone schools located within the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, as well as several schools offering French Immersion programming. The table below outlines French Language Education options available to residents of the Interlake-Eastern region. School / Daycare* School Division* Location* Grades* École communautaire Aurèle Lemoine École Communautaire St-Georges Division scolaire francomanitobaine Division scolair francomanitobaine St. Laurent K-S4 100 St-Georges K-S4 48 La Prématernelle N/A St. Laurent Pre-K 28 Les P tits Loups N/A St-Georges Pre-K 12 R. W. Bobby Bend School Interlake Stonewall K École Centennial School Interlake Stonewall École secondaire régionale Lord Selkirk Regional Secondary Lord Selkirk School Division Selkirk S2-S4 39 École Selkirk Junior High Lord Selkirk School Division Selkirk 7-S1 60 École Bonaventure Lord Selkirk School Division Selkirk K École Dugald School Sunrise Dugald K École Beausejour Early Years School Sunrise Beausejour K École Edward Schreyer School Sunrise Beausejour S1-S4 82 Enrolment 2012 Powerview- École Powerview School Sunrise K-S4 148 Pine Falls *Source: (accessed May 7, 2013) and (accessed May 7, 2013) **Depicts enrolment as of May In the case of dual track schools, enrollment numbers reflect students enrolled in French Immersion programming. Early Years La Prématernelle de Saint-Laurent Inc is a French Language daycare that offers pre-school programming. The community of St-Georges also has a Centre de la petite enfance et de la famile (CPEF) which is located within L École communautaire Saint-Georges. Photo courtesy of Brigite McDaniels La Fédération des Parents du Manitoba (la FPM) and Pluri-elles are non-profit provincial organizations that support francophone parents, families and organizations. They offer many programs and supports to individuals and communities throughout the province, including the communities of St. Laurent and St-Georges. Page 9 of 26 Photo courtesy of École communautaire St-Georges

10 Designated Bilingual Facilities Pine Falls Health Complex 37 Maple Street, Pine Falls St. Laurent Health Centre 1 Parish Lane, St. Laurent Health Services Services available to the R.M of St. Laurent by the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority are Public Health, Mental Health, Home Care, Community Wellness, Primary Care Nurse and Nurse Practitioner. These programs and services are housed at the Centre de santé communautaire de St. Laurent/St. Laurent Community Health Centre, which is a designated bilingual health facility. Primary Health Care The Interlake-Eastern Health Authority s definition of Primary Care: involves responding to illness within the broader determinants of health. It also includes coordinating, integrating and expanding systems and services to provide more population health, sickness prevention and health promotion by all disciplines. It encourages the best use of all health providers to maximize the potential of all health resources. The St-Laurent FLS coordinator is a Registered Nurse whose position links strongly to the primary health care program and which may include direct provision of first-contact services and coordination function to ensure continuity of care responsive to community needs. The Neil Gaudry Centre, also located in St. Laurent, is a five-bed supportive housing facility operated by the community, where the Regional Health Authority provides health care services to its tenants via the Home Care Program. French language services in the eastern part of the region are targeted to residents of the communities of Powerview-Pine Falls and St-Georges. Health services for the Blue Water Francophone community are primarily based at the Pine Falls Health Complex and include acute care, primary health care and long-term care. Community based services such as Home Care, Mental Health, Public Health and Community Wellness are available within the community. The Blue Water FLS coordinator position is directly integrated into the Primary Health Care program via the Community Wellness program. The status of designated bilingual positions is listed in Appendix E. The Interlake-Eastern RHA links to other regional and provincial bilingual partners such as HealthLinks InfoSanté, Centre de Santé de Saint-Boniface, MBTelehealth, and other designated RHAs to address service gaps that may be identified. French in the Workplace Workshop-St. Laurent CHC Page 10 of 26

11 OUR VALUES... COLLABORATION, ACCESSIBLITY, RESPECT, EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, and QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE OUR VISION Connecting people and communities to excellent health services - Today and Tomorrow OUR MISSION In Partnership with our communities and through a culture of quality customer service, we are dedicated to delivering health services in a timely, reliable and accessible manner. We achieve our success through an engaged and empowered staff. Manitoba Health Priorities and Goals... Capacity Building, Health System Innovation, Health Sysem Sustainability, Improved Access to Care, Improved Service Delivery, Improved Health Status & Reducing Health Disparities Amongst Manitobans OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS Building for Tomorrow Innovation, Learning and Growth Keeping it Going Expanding Opportunities The Best We Can Be Getting Better, Staying Healthy Building for Tomorrow: We are committed to making the most of our human and financial resources to ensure that we are in the best position possible to serve our communities today and into the future. All decisions are based on evidence, ethics and efficiency. Innovation, Learning and Growth: We embrace new ideas, explore opportunities, focus on innovation, and build and strengthen partnerships. Keeping It Going: We will meet the needs of our clients and patients by sustaining our current levels of care and service delivery. We will choose wisely, have the courage to address challenges, focus on our priorities and take action to provide the best care possible. Expanding Opportunities: We welcome all people we serve with approachable, accessible and appropriate care and services by providing the right care, in the right place, and at the right time. We want to contribute to the vibrancy and health of the communities we serve. The Best We Can Be: Each healthcare experience is as unique as the person being cared for. We will deliver quality and safe care by doing it right and doing it well through a person-centered experience. We will be accountable for using human and financial resources wisely. Getting Better, Staying Healthy: Challenges related to education, income, culture, and social factors can make it harder to stay healthy. It is important to us to work with everyone to improve their health. We plan to do this through strong partnerships and by working together to find new ways to improve the health and well-being of everyone we serve. We will create a legacy of health and wellness for generations to come. Page 11 of 26

12 GUIDING PRINCIPLES The following principles will guide the RHA in its implementation of FLS based on the Active Offer concept. 1. The Government of Manitoba s FLS Policy shall be the basis for all decisions and actions. 2. The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority shall provide its French language services in a pro-active manner. To this end, the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority shall ensure that: a) Wherever possible services in French are evident, readily available, and easily accessible to the general public, and are equitable to those provided in English to the Francophone communities. b) Administrative policies, contracts for services from outside agencies, and the setup or reorganization of programs and services and take into account the requirement that French language services be actively provided where applicable. c) In accordance with the Manitoba Health Policy Designation Policy for Francophone and Bilingual Facilities, Programs and Services, designated bilingual facilities will have a public notice visible in the affected service areas indicating their designation. The notice shall be clearly visible to the public. 3. Management, who will play a critical role in creating an ambiance, culture and milieu where employee and client interaction occurs in French, shall support FLS and the Active Offer concept. 4. The regional FLS committee shall play a role of leadership to ensure appropriate and consistent implementation of the Active Offer of French language services and shall be supported by the regional management team. 5. The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority shall facilitate on-going education to employees to encourage their commitment to the Active Offer concept. 6. The RHA shall make the public aware of its commitment to the Active Offer of FLS (promotional activities, articles, etc.). 7. Programs, services, resources and public information in one official language shall have a parallel counterpart in the other official language, taking into account the targeted audience or area. 8. Partnerships with other designated bilingual RHAs and community groups/organizations shall be encouraged to allow for collaboration on the implementation of French language services interregionally. 9. The RHA shall be innovative in creating an environment that is favourable to the recruitment of new bilingual employees. As a general rule, designated bilingual positions shall be located in designated bilingual areas, pursuant to the Government of Manitoba s FLS Policy. Photo courtesy of Diane Dubé Page 12 of 26

13 IMPLEMENTATION The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has a Regional French Language Services Committee which will include representation of management and the FLS Coordinators. The Regional FLS committee is chaired by the Vice President of Community Services and Chief Allied Health Officer. Members of the regional management team will be invited to the regional FLS committee on an ad-hoc basis for matters that relate to French language services in their respective program services. The Regional FLS committee will develop and support the implementation of the regional FLS plan as per the Government of Manitoba French Language Services Policy. The goal is to coordinate, navigate and connect people and communities within the RHA to health services in the official language of their choice. The mandate of the regional FLS committee: To provide recommendations to the RHA s Senior Leadership Team as to measures required for the implementation of the plan. To liaise with the Communities of St. Laurent, St-Georges and Powerview-Pine Falls, Santé en français and the Francophone Affairs Secretariat. To support regional managers and directors in the implementation of the FLS plan. To review and monitor the progress of the implementation of this 5-year French Language Services Plan. Establish policies to support implementation of the French Language Services Plan related to communication in both official languages, the designation of bilingual positions and the recruitment of designated bilingual positions. To develop an annual action plan to implement this 5-year FLS plan. To foster the commitment of employees for the implementation of the plan. To promote ongoing availability of health services for the French-speaking population. Report annually on FLS in the region as per guidelines of the Provincial Francophone Affairs Secretariat. Provide regular reports to the board of directors and senior management team. The regional FLS committee seeks input from designated communities within the region via the French Language Services Community Advisory Committees. (see Appendix G) The mandate of the FLS Community Advisory Committee To receive feedback from the Interlake-Eastern French-speaking population; To provide networking opportunities for Santé en français, the FLS Community Advisory committees, and the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority; To give input to the annual action plan; To foster the culture of active offer; To support ongoing availability of health services for the French speaking population. In 2017, the Regional FLS Committee shall review the French Language Services Plan in partnership with the French Language Services Community Advisory Committees of St. Laurent and Blue Water and begin preparations for the next FLS Plan. Page 13 of 26

14 Planning for French Language Service Delivery In planning for the delivery of French language services for the Interlake-Eastern RHA, we recognize the importance of an integrated approach that aligns with Provincial Health priorities and overall strategic focus of the RHA. Therefore the FLS plan includes strategic actions that support and strengthen our overall regional strategic plan. The FLS plan for the Interlake-Eastern region is therefore not a stand-alone plan, but rather a cohesive and important component of our overall strategic plan. Capacity Building - Building for Tomorrow Making the most of our Human Resources 1. Increase bilingual workforce serving designated centres Undertake an analysis of services to determine gaps of bilingual services to clients. Collaborate with Human Resources to develop a process to designate a position as bilingual to address gaps in bilingual services. Collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment strategies for designated positions. Monitor trends of successful recruitment into designated positions. Increase promotion and accessibility of French Language training available to all staff working in designated centres and those serving designated communities. Health System Innovation Innovation, Learning and Growth Embracing new ideas, exploring opportunities, focusing on innovation, and building and strengthening partnerships. 1. Expand and promote use of technology and the following resources Promote availability of MB Telehealth and Health Links-Info Santé for accessing bilingual services. Santé en français Centre de Santé de Saint-Boniface website Others as they become available 2. Strengthen our partnership role to develop a stronger FLS network Collaborate with Santé en français, and other designated RHAs, organizations and groups to strengthen our partnership role to develop a stronger FLS network so we can ensure responsive health services are available in French. 3. Implement creative solutions to address gaps Develop partnerships with organizations such as l'université de Saint-Boniface to assist with delivery of service and promote bilingual careers in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Contract French language services as appropriate. Health System Sustainability - Keeping it Going Sustain our current levels of service delivery, while addressing challenges and focusing on priorities. 1. Build internal capacity Increase promotion of French language training available to all staff working in designated centres and those serving designated communities. Provide Active Offer training for staff and managers working in designated areas. 2. Encourage use of technology and available resources Promote availability of MB Telehealth and Health Links-Info Santé for accessing bilingual services. Collaborate on and promote French Language Health Promotion series offered via MB Telehealth. Build and expand bilingual resource capacity. 3. Collaborate with provincial partners Review existing research such as compiled in Linguistic Competence and Quality of Services; Business Case for Quality French-Language Health Care Services report. (Gauthier & Reid, 2012) Participate in Santé en français and Table des Gestionnaires working groups. Page 14 of 26

15 Improved Access and Primary Care - Expanding Opportunities Providing the right care, in the right place, and at the right time in the right language 1. Continue to build FLS capacity Enhance FLS capacity in regional programs. Support French-speaking clients on the Cancer Patient Journey. Seek resource opportunities at the local, provincial and national levels. Improved Service Delivery - The Best We Can Be Delivering quality and safe care in the client s official language of choice. 1. Create a workplace culture of Active Offer Provide and promote Active Offer. Improve signage and identification of bilingual services. Increase awareness and education for staff and community. Establish policies for communication, Active Offer and Public Relations. Improving Health Status & Reducing Health Disparities Amongst Manitobans - Getting Better, Staying Healthy Listening and Learning about the French-speaking community 1. Monitor the demographics to better understand needs of our French-speaking residents Through such means as CHA assessments. 2. Incorporate existing Provincial and Regional Francophone health data into overall planning. Identify the Perceived Health Issues and Needs of Francophones in Manitoba Provincial Youth Health Survey of Francophone Youth in the Franco Manitoban School Division IRHA CHA Francophone Report 3. Linking with community Build strong partnerships with Francophone communities, business and economic development sectors, and regional education and social services organizations to further develop and promote health and well-being. Provide strong linkage between FLS and primary care to promote health and well-being for Frenchspeaking residents living in designated areas. l-r: Michelle Berthelette FLS Coordinator East, Lorraine Campbell Mental Health Regional FLS designate, Lori Carrière FLS Coordinator West. Page 15 of 26

16 Key Partners Francophone Affairs Secretariat/Secrétariat aux affaires francophones The Francophone Affairs Secretariat, established in 1981, has a mandate to advise the Government of Manitoba, and the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs in particular, on the development of government services in the French language, and on matters relating to the French Language Services policy in general. Among the responsibilities of the Secretariat is the provision of assistance and guidance to the administrative bodies covered by the French Language Services policy, including designated bilingual RHAs. The Secretariat also addresses representations or complaints from the public about French language services. Santé en français In October 2004, the Government of Manitoba designated Santé en français as the official representative of the Francophone community in the areas of health and social services. Santé en français plays a leadership and coordination role to foster access to quality French language services (FLS) in the areas of health and social services. The composition of the Board of Directors and the various committees of Santé en français, including the Regional Round Tables and the Managerial Round Table are set out in Appendix E. The French Language Services Community Advisory Committees: There are two French Language Services Community Advisory Committees that represent the Frenchspeaking population of the Interlake-Eastern RHA, the St. Laurent FLS Community Advisory Committee and the Blue Water FLS Community Advisory Committee. Each committee consists of representatives from: a) Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority i. VP Community Services and Chief Allied Health Officer responsible for French Language Services ii. FLS Coordinator iii. Regional management team representative b) Santé en français or Manitoba Health c) Community - 4 Bilingual Representatives Please refer to Appendix G for the Terms of Reference. Interlake-Eastern Regional Management Team The Interlake-Eastern Regional Management team has representation from all program and service areas and includes Senior Leadership with the exception of the CEO. The Regional Management Team develops and implements a program management and service delivery culture that emphasizes accountability, collaboration, communication, flexibility, innovation and tolerance. The Regional Management Team cultivates the development of policies, processes and procedures as well as evaluation and accountability mechanisms and frameworks to ensure the sustainable delivery of healthcare to those who access Interlake-Eastern RHA health services. Page 16 of 26

17 SIGNATURE & APPROVAL OF THE FLS PLAN FOR INTERLAKE REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY John Stinson, Chief Executive Officer, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Date Annie Bédard, Executive Director, Santé en français Date Honourable Sharon Blady, Minister of Health Date Honourable Greg Selinger, Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs Date Page 17 of 26

18 Appendix A: PROVINCE OF MANITOBA FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES POLICY - March 1999 The French Language Services Policy of the Government of Manitoba recognizes the fact that the French-speaking population of Manitoba is a constituent of one of the fundamental characteristics of Canada. The policy s purpose is to allow this community and the institutions serving it to access comparable government services in the language of the laws of Manitoba. The services provided by the Government of Manitoba are offered, to the extent possible, in both official languages in areas where the French-speaking population is concentrated. The designated areas are shown on the accompanying map. Administrative bodies covered by this policy consider the objectives of this policy and possible impacts on the Francophone community when planning and carrying out administrative or legislative reorganizations and reforms, including boundary reorganizations. French language services are provided in completely bilingual service centres located in the designated areas. They are also provided, as approved or specified by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, in partially bilingual service centres that have a sufficient number of designated positions and bilingual employees to ensure an effective delivery of such services. French language services are actively offered by the administrative bodies covered by this policy. The concept of Active Offer means that services in French, whether provided by oral, written or electronic methods, are evident, readily available and easily accessible to the general public, and of comparable quality to those offered in English. All correspondence with individuals or groups is in the official language preferred by the recipient. Unless specified otherwise by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, all forms, identity documents and certificates intended for the general public are in a bilingual format. All information materials (written, audio-visual or electronic) intended for the general public are produced in a bilingual format, unless cost and distribution considerations justify separate language versions. The French language equivalent can be the version posted on the administrative body s Internet site in circumstances specified by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs. Separate language versions are released simultaneously. Unless specified otherwise by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, Web sites provide information and facilitate interactions with the public in both official languages. Unless specified otherwise by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, signs and public notices in the designated areas and in the bilingual service centres are in both official languages. Page 18 of 26 The availability of French language services is made evident with appropriate signage and reception messages. Public information campaigns in the English language have a counterpart in the French language, subject to cost and distribution considerations. The administrative bodies to which the policy applies use the French-language media to advertise vacant staff positions where French is a requirement or an asset. Unless otherwise specified by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, only bilingual employees are recruited in the bilingual service centres and designated positions until such time as the bilingual personnel requirements are met. Where the staff of a bilingual service centre is completely bilingual, the administrative body encourages the use of French as the language of work. Nominations to boards, commissions, agencies, etc., take due account of the language dimension of government policy, as well as the right of any Manitoban to use either official language before quasi-judicial tribunals. This policy applies to and is implemented by the following administrative bodies: All government departments and boards, commissions, corporations and special operating agencies reporting to them; Crown corporations and extra departmental organizations; Offices of the Legislative Assembly and quasijudicial agencies subject to the requirements of Section 23 of the Manitoba Act, 1870; Public utilities governed by the Public Utilities Board and serving designated areas; Designated health facilities, social services agencies and Regional Health Authorities; Others as may be specified by the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs. The implementation of this policy is guided and monitored by the Francophone Affairs Secretariat, whose mandate applies to all the administrative bodies covered by this policy. In fulfilling its mandate, the Francophone Affairs Secretariat seeks and facilitates the implementation of this policy in a manner consistent with the concept of Active Offer and makes recommendations to that effect. The Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs may direct the administrative bodies covered by this policy to carry out certain actions to better meet the objectives of this policy. In order to ensure public accountability, the Francophone Affairs Secretariat publishes an annual report detailing the results of this policy s implementation by the administrative bodies covered by this policy. The annual report is prepared in collaboration with these administrative bodies. Note: The policy was adopted in 1989 and revised in 1999.

19 Appendix B: MAP OF DESIGNATED AREAS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF MANITOBA S FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICE POLICY Page 19 of 26

20 Appendix C: MAP OF INTERLAKE-EASTERN REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Page 20 of 26

21 Appendix D: INTERLAKE-EASTERN REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY DESIGNATED FACILITIES Designated Francophone Facilities Facility that delivers its services in both English and French, or in French only, and whose primary language of operation is French. There are no designated Francophone facilities within the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Designated Bilingual Facilities Facility that delivers its services in both English and French and whose primary language of operation is English. The following are designated bilingual facilities within the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Pine Falls Health Complex 37 Maple Street P.O. Box 2000 Pine Falls, MB R0E 1M St. Laurent Health Centre 1 Parish Lane P.O. Box 130 St. Laurent, MB R0C 2S Page 21 of 26

22 Appendix E: STATUS OF DESIGNATED BILINGUAL POSITIONS AS OF JANUARY 2014 Positions Base EFT Designated Bilingual Positions filled with Bilingual Incumbents FLS St. Laurent Primary Health Care St. Laurent FLS St. Georges Wellness St. Georges Mental Health Oakbank (regional FLS) Public Health Pine Falls St. Laurent Dietitian Pine Falls Families First St. Laurent ACUTE AND LONG TERM CARE PINE FALLS HEALTH COMPLEX 25% of positions are designated bilingual. Total EFTs EFTs filled with bilingual 7.6 incumbents % filled with bilingual 13.57% staff HOME CARE PROGRAM 25% of positions are designated bilingual. Total EFTs 11.2 EFTs filled with bilingual 2.5 incumbents % filled with bilingual 22.32% staff PRIMARY CARE EFT Designated Bilingual RECEPTION/ADMITTING Primary Care Reception 1 1 Reception/ Admitting / Health Information Positions filled with Bilingual Incumbents Page 22 of 26

23 Appendix F: SANTÉ EN FRANÇAIS ORGANIZATIONAL CHART COMMUNITY Community Consultations Santé en français Board of Directors * 3 directors elected by the regional round tables * 4 directors appointed by Société franco-manitobaine, including one nomination from the Réseau communautaire * 1 director appointed by the Université de Saint-Boniface * 1 director appointed by the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine Executive Director of the Francophone Affairs Secretariat, as a resource person Round Table Urban (Winnipeg) Regional Round Tables Central & Southeast Executive Director Santé en français du Manitoba Local Committees Other designated regions Members of the staff Santé en français (Resource Center) Health Management Round Table; and Social Services Management Round Table Page 23 of 26

24 Appendix G: FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES Terms of References MANDATE To receive feedback from the Interlake-Eastern Francophone communities; To provide networking opportunities for Santé en français, the FLS Community Advisory Committees, and the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority; To give input to the annual FLS action plan; To foster the culture of active offer MEMBERSHIP The committee will consist of representatives from: a) Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority i. VP Community Services and Chief Allied Health Officer responsible for French Language Services ii. FLS Coordinator iii. Regional management team representative b) Santé en français or Manitoba Health c) Community - 4 Bilingual Representatives MEETINGS The committee will meet a minimum of twice a year, or as needed in order to meet its purpose. Meetings will be called and organized by the French Language Services Coordinator. The Chairing of meetings shall be by the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Decisions will be made by consensus. QUORUM A quorum shall be 50% of committee members. Reviewed May 7, 2013 The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (RHA) undertakes to provide health care services in French to its French-speaking population in accordance with the Government of Manitoba s French Language Services (FLS) FLS Policy, Manitoba Health s Designation Policy for Francophone and Bilingual Facilities, Programs and Services, and Regulation 46/98 of the Regional Health Authorities Act (C.C.S.M. c R34). To assist in this task, the Regional FLS committee shall consult with French Language Services Community Advisory Committees (St. Laurent & Blue Water). These committees shall play a role of support to promote appropriate and consistent implementation of the active offer of French Language Services. Page 24 of 26

25 Appendix H: REGIONAL FLS COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE MANDATE The Regional FLS committee will develop and support the implementation of the regional FLS plan as per the Government of Manitoba French Language Services Policy. The goal is to ensure people and communities within the RHA are able to connect, in the official language of their choice, to excellent health services, today and tomorrow. The Regional FLS Committee shall: Provide recommendations to the RHA s Senior Management Team as to measures required for the adequate implementation of the plan. Liaise with the Communities of St. Laurent, St-Georges and Powerview-Pine Falls; Santé en français, the Communities of St. Laurent, St-Georges and Powerview-Pine Falls; and the Francophone Affairs Secretariat. Review and monitor the progress of the implementation of this 5-year French Language Services Plan. Establish policies to support implementation of the French Language Services Plan related to communication in both official languages, the designation of bilingual positions and the recruitment of designated bilingual positions. Develop an annual FLS action plan to implement its Five-year FLS plan. Foster the commitment of employees for the implementation of the plan. o Promote and support the language training programs sponsored by Santé en français including, but not limited to: Traditional oral French classes taken in Winnipeg or through the Telehealth network in-region (Français en milieu de santé) and/or other French language programs as they become available. o Increase Active Offer training amongst management, staff and with community. Review and monitor any concerns or comments received by managers from the public or employees pertaining to French language services. Promote ongoing availability of health services for the French-speaking population. Report annually on FLS in the region as per guidelines of the Provincial Francophone Affairs Secretariat. Provide regular reports to the board of directors and senior management team. Page 25 of 26

26 MEMBERSHIP The RHA will have a Regional French Language Services Committee, which will include the following membership: VP Community Services and Chief Allied Health Officer, responsible for French Language Services French Language Services Coordinators Ad hoc members o Executive Director of Human Resources o Regional Manager Communications & Public Relations o Members of regional management team for matters relating to FLS in their respective programs and services o Additional membership requests as required The VP of Community Services and Chief Allied Health Officer, responsible for French Language Services, will chair the committee. MEETINGS The FLS committee will meet quarterly or at the call of the Chair. Reviewed January, 2014 Page 26 of 26