Official Languages committee  I studied medicine in Rwanda.

Official Languages committee  I was saying that there are not enough health care professionals who are bilingual, and therefore able to provide services in French. I also note that we do not necessarily use existing resources to their full potential. For example, it is impossible to know who the health profes

Official Languages committee  I met her more than once in Inuvik. We met with her in Inuvik and we also talked about our Francophone reality, particularly with respect to health care. She also talked to us about what First Nations people are facing.

Official Languages committee  The meetings take place in English.

Official Languages committee  After presentations like that, there is very little to add. However, I do want to say that the Réseau Territoires du Nord-Ouest Santé en français identifies the need for health care and social services among Francophones. It helps to raise awareness of the importance of requesti

Official Languages committee  That depends on where you are.

Official Languages committee  In Yellowknife…

Official Languages committee  Yes, you will be. In Yellowknife, in the daytime, there is always someone to greet you and contact an interpreter.

Official Languages committee  No.

Official Languages committee  Some, yes. It depends. It’s the luck of the draw.

Official Languages committee  There is a sign indicating that you can request services in French in the reception area, and you will receive them. Sometimes, the signs are in English. When you arrive at the hospital, and you ask to be served in French, typically the receptionist won’t be the one to do so. Yo

Official Languages committee  Indeed. I’m going to tell you a personal story. I had a heart attack and had to go to emergency. I was looked after by a French speaking nurse, but it was a pure fluke. I don’t know how it happened. The doctor, who came from the United States, was also a francophile. I found thi

Official Languages committee  Absolutely.

Official Languages committee  I cannot comment on that because I haven’t necessarily had to use those services. However, a number of studies show that relying on interpretation services can be problematic, especially in a medical context. Sometimes people without medical backgrounds are called upon to interpr

Official Languages committee  I would indeed like to add something. We primarily offer interpretation services. Interpretation in its current form is not an acceptable model for francophones. We've observed that it is more likely that folks will not use a service if they have to go through an interpreter eit