French Language Services
FLS 204-424-6042 Email
Your French Connection
Southern Health-Santé Sud is committed to providing services in both official languages, English and French. We are one of four designated bilingual Service Delivery Organizations in Manitoba. In accordance with the Manitoba Government’s French Language Services (FLS) policy, we are legislatively responsible to provide bilingual health care services within, but not limited to areas of high concentration of French-speaking population.
Working in a designated bilingual facility or position means employees are required to extend Active Offer to the general public.
What is Active Offer?… a shared regional commitment and culture
- a set of measures taken to ensure that French language services are readily available, easily accessible and comparable to that of services provided in English
- means informing the client at first point of contact that bilingual (English and French) services are available
- can be as simple as greeting someone by saying ‘Southern Health-Santé Sud, Hello-Bonjour’.
This video touches on the importance of active offer in French and shows how one person can truly make a difference for a French speaking client / Cette vidéo touche l’importance de l’offre active et démontre comment une personne peut véritablement faire une différence auprès de la clientèle en s’exprimant en français.
If you are approached by a client who wishes to receive services in French and you do not speak French, no worries, just respond ‘Un moment s’il-vous-plaît’ and try to find a French-speaking colleague who can assist you.
These illustrations visually identifies where French language services may be available and invites the public to request services in the official language of their choice.
How We Meet Our Mandate
A consistent regional approach is used to designate positions in Southern Health-Santé Sud. Every effort is made to fill designated bilingual positions with bilingual staff (English and French). If not possible, then an employee accepting a designated bilingual position accepts the responsibility to support clients in their official language of choice and agrees to engage in French language training, to develop a self-development plan and to achieve . Southern Health-Santé Sud offers tools and training to support staff in developing their linguistic competence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why French and not other languages?
The French Language Services Policy of the Government of Manitoba recognizes the fact that the French-speaking population of Manitoba is a constituent of one of the fundamental characteristics of Canada. The policy’s purpose is to allow this community and the institutions serving it to access comparable government services in the language of the laws of Manitoba.
Francophones in a minority community are often bilingual, why would they need French language services?
It is a mistake to assume that all Francophones in minority communities are bilingual. Furthermore, when people are in a vulnerable situation, they often find it difficult to express their needs, fears, pain etc. It is even more difficult to express them in a language other than one’s own.
Do all employees have to be bilingual in designated sites?
In designated bilingual sites, all positions are designated bilingual because they are in contact with clients in areas of the region with a higher concentration of French-speaking population. Very often, various support staff come into contact with clients as frequently as do caregivers.
Some staff may not understand the need to offer services in both languages?
Regular, ongoing outreach activities are essential for achieving a long-term shift in attitude and culture. All providers need to understand that it is a question of equity and safety.