Priority: In a modernized health care system, provide health and mental health services in French throughout the life cycle and in underserved regions to eliminate inequalities due to language barriers.
Language is a determinant of health, meaning that if health care is not available in French to Francophone patients, it creates health inequalities. For example, there is a greater likelihood of misdiagnosis and treatment errors that are detrimental to the health of patients. There are very few health services offered in French in Alberta, although it is a priority for French-speaking Albertans, regardless of where they live and their socio-demographic background.
Reference to read: “Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Care System: Health Services that Consider Alberta Francophonie’s Language and Cultures as Determinants of Health“, ACFA and Réseau santé Alberta
