Federal and provincial funding will provide targeted health services for the few Saskatchewan people whose primary language is French.In Saskatchewan, there are 16,855 people with French as their first language and 52,420 people who speak French that may benefit from both programs.A new patient accompaniment program operated by the Réseau Santé en français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS) will receive $45,000 in 2024-25, with the amount to be reviewed annually following a new service agreement. The organization will offer interpretation services during medical appointments, ensuring accessible and comprehensive care for approximately 75 patients this year.A French-language mental health support telephone line offered through TAO Tel-Aide will receive $42,288 in 2024-25, with the amount to be reviewed annually following a new service agreement. This French-language helpline at 1-800-567-9699 is available to Saskatchewan residents who are experiencing psychological distress or are in need of emotional support. The renewed contract allows the service to continue. The funding for these initiatives is through the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on French-language Services 2023-24 to 2027-28. Saskatchewan Health Minister Everett Hindley is glad taxpayers are helping the 1.3% of the population who speak French as their first language, all in the name of progress.“We are pleased to see supports continue for our province’s Francophone community,” Hindley said. “A key goal of the Government of Saskatchewan is to seek ways to improve access to health services and this funding continues our progress in that area.”Saskatchewan Réseau Santé en Français de la President Abdoulaye Yoh said says the funded services are "cherished" even though the patient outprogram is completely new."Le Réseau Santé en Français expresses its deep gratitude for investing in these two essential services cherished by the Fransaskois community,” Yoh said. “This timely funding will allow us to continue and strengthen our empathetic listening and accompaniment services, providing peace of mind to Francophones who wish to express their health needs in their mother tongue. The impact of this support extends beyond the health and wellbeing of the individuals involved, benefiting the entire Fransaskois community and, by extension, our province."Minister Responsible for the Francophone Affairs Branch Laura Ross said the programs will help immigrants.“These programs will improve access to health care for the Francophone community,” Ross said.“Providing health services in French better serves our population. This enhances our services, promotes immigration and creates a stronger Saskatchewan.”The province says such funding provides both programs with steady financial support allowing them to grow and improve with reliable, predictable budgets.Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Federal Minister Randy Boissonnault, an Edmonton MP, said supporting the Francophone minority in Saskatchewan requires federal funding for every aspect, which will also make them healthier.“Supporting the French language and Francophone communities throughout Saskatchewan means investing in French-language services across the board,” Boissonnault said.“This funding announcement is giving Fransaskois communities access to the health care they need in the official language they want, resulting in better overall care and improved health care outcomes.”
