Active offer of health services in French in Ontario: Analysis of reorganization and management strategies of health care organizations.

BACKGROUND: The availability of health services in French is not only weak but also inexistent in some regions in Canada. As a result, estimated 78% of more than a million of Francophones living in a minority situation in Canada experience difficulties accessing health care in French. To promote the delivery of health services in French, publicly funded organizations are encouraged to take measures to ensure that French-language services are clearly visible, available, easily accessible, and equivalent to the quality of services offered in English.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the reorganization and management strategies taken by health care organizations in Ontario that provide health services in French.

METHODS: Review and analysis of designation plans of a sample of health care organizations.

RESULTS: Few health care organizations providing services in French have concrete strategies to guarantee availability, visibility, and accessibility of French-language services.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the active offer of French-language services is likely to be difficult and slow. The Ontario government must strengthen collaboration with health care organizations, Francophone communities, and other key actors participating in the designation process to help health care organizations build capacities for the effective offer of French-language services.