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News Release
July 12, 2007
McGuinty Government Supports Services for a Stronger and Healthier Francophone Community
Designation of Eight New Agencies Gives Ontarians Increased Access to Health and Social Services in French
TORONTO – Eight non-profit community groups that serve their clients in French have been recognized with designation under the French Language Services Act, Francophone Affairs Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced today.
"In addition to being at the heart of the French Language Services Act, designations guarantee that Francophones have access to high-quality services," said Meilleur. "A designation requires time and effort and attests to the desire of community organizations to ensure a better quality of life for Francophone Ontarians."
These agencies, which provide health care and support services for children, youth and women who are victims of violence, have already implemented French-language services in response to the needs of their Francophone clients and community stakeholders. Their designation as Public Service Agencies under the French Language Services Act officially recognizes that these organizations are able to serve their Francophone clients in their language.
The designation process assists the government in ensuring that Francophones have access to government services in French in designated areas of the province. These new designations now bring to 209 the number of public service agencies designated under the French Language Services Act.
"The McGuinty government is committed to improving access to services in French for Francophone Ontarians," said Meilleur. "Through the designation of eight new partner agencies, we are getting results for the Franco-Ontarian community."
These designations are another example of what can be achieved when Francophone Ontarians work together. Other such initiatives include:
- The creation of the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner, which will be responsible for ensuring the quality and availability of French-language services by the Ontario government
- Additional investments of $317 million in Ontario's French-language education system
- In health, an investment of $185 million to double the size of Montfort Hospital in Ottawa
- Self-governance granted to TFO, which now has its own board of directors and its own budget
- Designation of the City of Kingston, the City of Brampton and the Municipality of Callander under the French Language Services Act.
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For more information:
Marc Despatie
Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister Responsible For Francophone Affairs
416 325-5219
Charles Jean Sucsan
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
Office of Francophone Affairs
416 325-4968
