GOVERNMENT RECEIVES SIXTH REPORT FROM FRANCOPHONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Provincial Secretary Donna Harpauer received a report today from the Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs on the issue of access to health services in French.

"I would like to thank René Carpentier and the Advisory Committee on Francophone Affairs for their interest and input on the issue of health in our province," Harpauer said. "Once again, through consultation and conversation, the committee has provided a report what will lead to a stronger, more vibrant francophone community within our province."

Five recommendations are highlighted within the report and are aimed at increasing access to health services in French. They are based on consultations with both the Ministry of Health and representatives from across the francophone community.

The recommendations stress the importance of clear and direct communication between patients and health care professionals and call for increased translation of health related documents to French as well as strengthening the relationship between the province's regional health authorities, the francophone community and the provincial government.

The committee was created in 2009 to advise the Provincial Secretary through the review and analysis of French-language programs and policies and to guide the implementation of Saskatchewan's French-language Services Policy. Providing services in French allows the government to meet the needs of the people of Saskatchewan while continuing to attract French newcomers to our province.

For more information on the committee's work, or Saskatchewan's French-language Services Policy, visit www.ops.gov.sk.ca/fab-daf.

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For more information, contact:

Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca