Question Period Note: Quebec English Speakers react to new Quebec healthcare directive

On July 18, 2024, the Quebec government presented the Directive précisant la nature des situations dans lesquelles le réseau de la santé et des services sociaux entend utiliser une autre langue que le français dans les cas où le permettent les dispositions de la Charte de la langue française. This directive led to a reaction from Quebec's English-speaking communities.

Our government respects Quebec's jurisdiction in health matters, and we are aware of the concerns of Quebec's English-speaking communities.

We recognize the need to protect the French language, but this must not be at the expense of access to healthcare in the official language of patients' choice.

In our Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028, we have included an increased investment of $8 million over 5 years in core funding for organizations to carry out activities dedicated to improving access to health services, and $6.5 million over 4 years to support the training and integration of new bilingual health personnel.

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