Building capacity to ensure a healthy start for Francophone immigrants in Ontario
Canada has set ambitious immigration thresholds to meet the country’s demographic and economic challenges. The government thus wishes to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec to 4.4% (i.e. 18,500 individuals) by 2023 (source Government of Canada available here). In addition, Ontario boasts most of the French-speaking immigrant population at nearly 70% (source Government of Canada available here). Therefore, it is essential to build capacity to ensure a healthy start for the immigrant population.
What is our goal?
The project Francophone Immigration Health (2020-2025) of Ontario aims to build the capacity of settlement sector professionals to support French-speaking immigrants on health issues; build community capacity to meet the health needs of Francophone immigrants, including mental health; and increase a collective knowledge of the challenges and solutions that elevate the health status of Francophone immigrants.
How do we do this?
The project operates based on four components:
- Create or strengthen links and collaborative opportunities between the settlement and health sectors.
- Gain knowledge about the needs and challenges experienced by immigrants.
- Update and improve existing tools (Active Offer and Health Human Resources Strategy tools) to promote Francophone immigrants’ access to the health system.
- Offer health related training adapted to the needs of professionals in the settlement and health sectors.
What is the target of this project?
The project Francophone Immigration Health of Ontario supports health and immigration organizations to better meet the health needs of Francophone immigrants in Ontario.
Who are we ?
The project Francophone Immigration Health of Ontario is implemented by the The French Health Network of Central Southwestern Ontario in collaboration with the French Language Health Services Network of Eastern Ontario as well as the Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario. The Société Santé en français is the national coordinator along with the 16 French-language health networks in Canada. This project is made possible through funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
To become a committed partner :
Contact The French Health Network of Central Southwestern Ontario, by email at [email protected] and by phone at 1 888 549 5775.
Learn more
Download our 2-page brochure “Strengthening capacities for a healthy reception of Francophone immigrants in Ontario” (French or English version).
Download the report “Health needs and main challenges in navigating the health care system for Francophone immigrants in Ontario” (French or English version).
Download the Terms of reference of the Ontario Francophone Immigration Health Project Advisory Committee (French version or English version).
For more information about the national project, visit the Société Santé en français webpage.
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