Updated Directive Ensures Quebec Anglophones Have Right to Health Services
The Quebec government has released a new health-care directive that confirms anglophones’ right to access health and social services in English.
In a five-page document, it is reiterated multiple times that individuals who speak English do not need to verify their identity to receive care in their preferred language.
This directive is intended to replace an older version that was published in July and had sparked concerns that limited access to healthcare in languages other than French.
Responding to criticism from anglophone groups and certain federal MPs, the government pledged to revise the directive last month.
Health Minister Christian Dubé clarified that the government never had intentions to restrict services and that the updated directive aims to be more comprehensible for healthcare professionals and the general public.
The updated directive specifies that healthcare workers can communicate with individuals in a language other than French if requested by the patient or if it is evident that the patient does not understand French.
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