Francophone Services

A service of the Provincial Language Services that helps French-speaking people access health care in British Columbia.

Provincial Language Services uses an equity-focused approach to help patients and health care providers communicate clearly. Our services support fair access to health care for French-speaking patients across British Columbia.

Funded by the BC Francophone Affairs Program, Francophone Services provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services for Francophones, including immigrants and refugees.

BC health care system
British Columbia's publicly funded health care system gives eligible residents access to medically necessary health care services through the Medical Services Plan and eligible prescription medications, medical supplies, and pharmacy services through Fair PharmaCare (PDF in French). 


Since 2005, Francophone Services has helped French-speaking people access health and wellness services throughout British Columbia.

We support the Francophone community in three main ways:
  • Identifying community needs and helping improve access to health care
  • Advocating for French-language resources and culturally appropriate services through partnerships, funding and community initiatives
  • Providing professional interpreting and translation services, both in person and remotely

These language services help patients and​ families access health authorities, family doctors, specialists and other health professionals while reducing language and cultural barriers.

 

In 2021-2022, Francophone Services:

  • Helped 995 individuals and families access health care services through professional interpretation and translation services.
  • Assisted more than 500 individuals and families with questions about MSP, Fair PharmaCare, French-language resources and access to health care.
  • Supported more than 250 community outreach activities and partnerships across British Columbia.
  • Partnered with RésoSanté to launch the Café de Paris program, which offers free one-on-one French language coaching for health care professionals. More than 420 participants have completed the program. 
  • Supported or coordinated 15 outreach projects to help newcomers access health care services.
  • Began a research project examining the impact of the toxic drug crisis on the Francophone community. 
  • Promoted the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP/PSSC) across the provincial health care system.

‎Our patients

British Columbia is home to a growing and diverse population. According to the 2016 Census, 28.3% of residents were recent immigrants.
Provincial Language Services works closely with Francophone communities, including immigrants and refugees, to better understand their needs and improve access to care.

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Thanks and acknowledgements

Francophone Services operates province-wide through Provincial Language Services at the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

Funding is provided through the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on French-language services.
Services in French

Accessing health care services in French​

Unlike federal programs, which must provide services in both of Canada's official languages, British Columbia is not required to offer all provincial programs in French. However, French-language health services and supports are available.

Francophone Services help French-speaking patients navigate the health care system in British Columbia. If you need assistance, you can contact Francophone Services.

Provincial Language Services provides French interpreting and translation services for:
  • Health authorities
  • Family doctors and primary care providers
  • Specialist clinics
  • Other allied health professionals

In addition to interpreting, translation and patient navigation services, Provincial Language Services funds and supports projects delivered by community partners. These projects help improve access to health services for Francophone communities across British Columbia.

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Why choose a French-speaking health care professional?

Research shows that language barriers can affect the quality and safety of health care.
These barriers may lead to:
  • Lower participation in health promotion and disease prevention programs
  • Delays in seeking care
  • Difficulty accessing services
  • An increased risk of misdiagnosis
  • Challenges understanding treatment instructions
  • Lower patient satisfaction
  • A higher risk of adverse events
  • Poorer management of chronic conditions
  • Less effective pain management

The RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique and Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique directory lists more than 1,200 health and wellness professionals who can provide services in French.

Find a French-speaking health care professionals in BC

 

'Active offer' means making services available in both of Canada's official languages and creating opportunities for patients to receive care in the language they feel most comfortable using.

In health care, active offer helps patients communicate their needs clearly and helps providers deliver safe, high-quality, ethical and equitable care.

Language plays an important role in the quality, safety and effectiveness of health services. Providing services in French supports better health outcomes for Francophone patients.

An active offer of health services in French:

  • Promotes equity
  • Aims to provide a level of service comparable to English-language services
  • Responds to the cultural and linguistic needs of Francophone communities
  • Supports person-centred care
  • Contributes to the safety and quality of care
References

John-Baptiste, A., Naglie, G., Tomlinson, G., Alibhai, S. M., Etchells, E., Cheung, A., ... & Krahn, M. (2004). The effect of English language proficiency on length of stay and in-hospital mortality. Journal of general internal medicine, 19(3), 221-228. Available: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.21205.x<

 

The Café de Paris program is delivered by RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique with support from Francophone Services and funding from Health Canada through Société Santé en Franç​ais.

The program helps increase the number of health care professionals who provide services in French and supports active offer practices in health care.

Currently, only 11.5% of French-speaking health care professionals in British Columbia regularly use French in their professional work.

 

Looking for a health care professional who speaks French?

Use the directory​ to find French-speaking health professionals throughout British Columbia.

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Medical Services Plan (MSP)

The Medical Servi​ces Plan (MSP) is British Columbia's public health insurance program. It provides coverage for medically necessary health services for eligible residents.


 
To qualify for MSP coverage, you must:
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident legally living in Canada
  • Make British Columbia your home
  • Live in British Columbia for at least six months of the year
Dependent family members living in BC may also be eligible.

MSP coverage is free.

 
Some people with work or study permits issued under the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act are considered BC residents and may qualify for MSP coverage.

Tourists and visitors to British Columbia are not eligible.

If you have questions about eligibility or coverage:
  • Visit the  Medical Services Plan website
  • Call 604-683-7151 or 1-800-663-7100 and select option 5 for servince in French 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


 


 
If you are applying for a self-administered health plan account, you must complete an application form.

You can apply: 
If you have health coverage through an employer, union or pension plan, contact the appropriate office for information about group coverage.

Once a group plan application is approved, MSP cancels any existing self-administered account.

People who receive, or may be eligible for, medical benefits through Health Canada (Indigenous Peoples) or the Department of Housing and Social Development should contact those organizations directly.


 
New residents and people returning to settle in British Columbia must usually complete a waiting period before MSP coverage starts.

The waiting period generally includes:
  • The remainder of the month you arrive
  • Two additional months
For example, if you arrive in July, your coverage usually begins on October 1.

If you spend more than 30 days outside Canada during the waiting period, your eligibility may change.

Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in British Columbia. This helps avoid delays in receiving coverage.


 
During the waiting period:
  • New residents from another Canadian province or territory should continue to use their previous health insurance plan
  • New residents arriving from outside Canada should consider private health insurance during the waiting period
If you are waiting for a personal health number (PHN) and need urgent medical follow-up, contact Health Insurance BC. They may be able to speed up the processing of your health card application.

If you see a doctor without a health insurance card, you may be charged non-resident rates. These rates are often higher than MSP-covered rates.

MSP can reimburse only eligible charges under the MSP Payment Schedule. You are responsible for any additional costs.


 

MSP coverage is free in British Columbia.

 
For more information, visit Supplementary Health Care Benefits on the Ministry of Health website.

Disclaimer: If there is any difference between information on this website and information provided by the Ministry of Health or Health Insurance BC, the information provided by the Ministry of Health or Health Insurance BC takes priority.

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Medicines - BC Fair PharmaCare

Fair PharmaCare helps eligible BC residents pay for certain prescription medications and medical supplies.

The lower your income, the more assistance you may receive. There are no registration fees or premiums.


 

BC residents who are enrolled in MSP can register for Fair PharmaCare.


 

Register:

  • Online
  • By phone through Health Insurance BC
Phone: 604-683-7151 or 1-800-663-7100
Select Option 5 for service in French.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.


 
For all family members

Provide:

  • Personal health number (PHN)
  • Date of birth
For you and your spouse

Provide:

  • Social insurance number (SIN)
  • Your net income from two years ago (line 236 of your income tax return)
  • The amount of any Universal Child Benefit or Registered Disability Savings Plan payments received two years ago (lines 117 and 125 of your tax return)

If you were not living in Canada two years ago or had no declared income, send your request to:

Fair PharmaCare Administration
PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9P2

Register by phone (French service)

Vancouver and Lower Mainland: 604-683-7151
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7100

 

Additional Fair PharmaCare information

More information about Fair PharmaCare is available in French:
Resources

Learn about the health system in British Columbia

Do you have questions about the health system in British Columbia?

You may be wondering:

  • How is the health system organized in British Columbia?
  • How do I get a personal health number (PHN) and a BC Services Card?
  • Who is eligible for health coverage?
  • What do programs such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP), Healthy Kids and Fair Pharmacare cover?
  • How do I find a family doctor?

Our brochures answer these questions and provide access to many helpful resources.

 

Are you moving to British Columbia?

Learn how the health system works in French.

Resource:The Health System in British Columbia Explained in French (PDF).

Brochure cover: Votre sante et vous: Le system de sante de la Colombie Britannique explique en Francais

 

Want to understand how health insurance works in British Columbia?

Learn about the Medical Services Plan (MSP), Health Insurance BC and the differences between MSP and Québec's RAMQ system.

Resource: MSP and the Differences Between the Québec and British Columbia Health Insurance Systems (PDF).

Brochure cover: L'assurance maladie du Quebec l la Colombie-Britannique

 

Take an active role in your health care.

Learn how to prepare for a medical appointment in British Columbia.

Resource: Prepare for Your Medical Appointment in British Columbia (PDF).

Brochure cover: Votre sante et vous: Preparez votre rendez-vous medical en Colombie-Britannique

 

Keep important French-language health services and resources close at hand.

Download the Your Key Health Resources poster.


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Health essentials videos

Want to learn about free health services available in French?

The Madame Santé video series covers health topics and services available to Francophone communities in British Columbia.

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Resources in French

Many French-language resources are available across British Columbia.

 

The BC Children's Hospital Family Support and Resource Centre offers more than 500 French-language resources free of charge.

You can:

  • Borrow resources for up to 30 days
  • Order materials online
  • Have resources delivered directly to your home
  • Use the prepaid return envelope provided with your order

Borrow books and resources

 

The British Columbia Health Guide, developed by HealthLink BC, is a helpful starting point for health information and resources.

Order the BC Health Guide online

 

The Kelty Resource Centre offers information and resources on a wide range of mental health topics.

Kelty Resource Centre online resources

 

 

The Fédération des Parents Francophones de la Colombie Britannique offers:

  • Practical information sheets
  • A Francophone baby kit
  • Child development tools
  • Workshops
  • Videos
  • Additional online resources
 

 

​Several organizations offer resources and programs for seniors.

HealthLink BC

Access the Guide for Seniors in BC

Francophone Assembly of Retired and Seniors of British Columbia (AFRACB)

AFRACB provides resources, events, publications and information for Francophone seniors.

Resource: Carrefour50+

RésoSanté​ Colombie-Britannique

RésoSanté offers workshops and programs on topics such as:

  • Fall prevention
  • Nutrition
  • Healthy aging

 

Réseau-Femmes Colombie-Britannique provides support, resources and networking opportunities for women across the province.

Resources include:

  • ​Workshops
  • Newsletters
  • Webinars
  • Community programs
 

 

RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique shares information on a wide range of health topics through news articles, events and educational resources.

Resources include:

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Our partners

We work with British Columbia's five& regional health authorities and a number of community organizations to support health services that meet the needs of Francophone residents.

 

The Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie Britannique (FFCB) promotes a welcoming and inclusive Francophone community.

Its mission is to strengthen Francophone and Francophile communities throughout British Columbia and support their continued growth and development.

​The FFCB works with:

  • More than 40 organizations
  • More than 80,000 Francophones
  • More than 300,000 Francophiles across British Columbia

 

RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique is a provincial non-profit organization that helps people find:

  • French-speaking health professionals
  • French-language health programs and services

Its online directory includes more than 1,200 health care and wellness professionals across British Columbia.

 

The Fédération des Parents Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique ​brings together, represents, supports and equips parents in their role as their children's primary educators.

The organization promotes parent engagement and helps create thriving Francophone environments for families and children.

 

The Programme d'immigration francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (PIF) helps French-speaking immigrants settle in British Columbia.

Services include:

  • ​Settlement support
  • Integration services
  • Employment assistance

 

Collège Éducacentre is British Columbia's only Francophone college.

It offers a wide range of French-language courses and programs designed to meet labour market needs. All courses and programs are offered remotely and in French.

 

La Boussole Centre is a non-profit organization that supports Francophones in need in Greater Vancouver.

It is also the region's only Francophone community centre offering:

  • ​Social services
  • Community activities
  • Job search support
  • Health-related programs and projects

 

Réseau-Femmes Colombie-Britannique is a non-profit organization that represents, promotes and advocates for Francophone women in British Columbia.

The organization also supports the growth and development of Francophone women and their communities.

 

The Conseil Scolaire Francophone ​is a public school board recognized across Canada for its innovation, leadership and dynamic approach to education.

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