French Language Health Planning Entity Named for Eastern Ontario

 The Ontario government announced in June, 2010, that the French Language Health Services Network of Eastern Ontario would fulfill the role of ‘French-Language Health Planning Entity’ for both the Champlain and South East LHINs.   

The announcement means Francophone residents will have a greater voice in determining health-care priorities so that their unique needs are better met.

French Language Health Planning Entities are regulated under the Local Health System Integration Act. The entities will provide advice to LHINs on health issues for the regional Francophone community.

LHINs will ask for advice on the following topics:

1. Health needs and priorities of the local francophone community, including needs of diverse groups within the local francophone community 
2. Health services available to the local Francophone community 
3. Strategies to improve the integration, accessibility, and access to French language health services in the local health system 
4. Identification and designation of health service providers for the provision of French language health services 
5. Planning for, and integration of, health services in the area

“Our organization already works very closely with the French Language Health Services Network of Eastern Ontario. We have collaborated on a number of health related projects including our Aging at Home strategy, hospital services planning in Eastern Counties and our three-year Integrated Health Service Plan to cite but a few examples” says Chantale LeClerc, Senior Director of planning, integration and community engagement at the Champlain LHIN. “The Network’s role as the new entity will strengthen this important relationship.”

To choose the entities, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care conducted a transparent process with an open call for proposals. An Expert Reference Group reviewed the proposals. Membership of the group was comprised of representatives from the Ministry’s French Language Health Services Advisory Council and the LHINs. Past  Champlain LHIN Board Chair Marie Fortier participated as a member.

The Champlain LHIN is pleased with the naming of the French Language Health Services Network of Eastern Ontario as the French Language Health Planning Entity for our region and look forward to our ongoing collaboration.

For more information on the French Language Services Act visit Ontario Office of Francophone Affairs