Quebec now says ‘no restrictions’ for anglophones in health care, clarifying previous directive

“Every English-speaking person has the right to receive health and social services in English to the extent provided by access programs,” reads the new directive published by the Quebec government on Monday.

The document comes after the original French-language directives for the health-care network — sent in July — faced criticism and confusion from English-speaking Quebecers.

“All services provided by institutions designated by government decree, and services indicated in the access programs must be offered in English,” it says. “No restrictions have been placed on this right.”

If it’s recognized by Quebec’s language watchdog, the new directive also states that organizations in social and health-care services can use a different language when providing care.

“Health and social services provided by recognized institutions may be offered in the language of recognition,” it says.

In all other cases, it is stated that health and social services can be offered in a language other than French, when the health of any person so requires, upon request.

The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) said it was “heartened” by the updated directive, adding its persistence on the matter eventually paid off.

“As we have demanded, the new directives more closely reflect the language and intent of the Charter of the French language that elevates health, public safety and natural justice above legal technicalities that could refuse care or services to a citizen at a crucial time,” QCGN president Eva Ludvig said in a news release.

“They are thus more in line with the long-standing Quebec tradition that access to health and social services is a human health matter and not a language matter.”

The QCGN maintains the health of Quebecers must always take precedence over language issues.

Health Minister Christian Dubé said on X that the government never intended to restrict services, and the updated directive is meant to be easier for health-care workers and the general population to understand.

In an interview with CityNews on Aug. 9, Roberge clarified that the directive pertains to the administration of the hospital and the health-care system: “You don’t have to show a document you don’t have to answer any question. If you go to an hospital and you need some help, you don’t feel well, you’ll be served English.”

Roberge called the confusion a “misunderstanding.”