Ontario Launches French Language Health Planning Centre to Improve Francophone Care Access
New province-wide body will modernize French-language health services across Ontario
Toronto, ON — In a move aimed at closing long-standing gaps in French-language health care, the Ontario government has announced the creation of a new French Language Health Planning Centre, set to open September 1, 2025. The new body will lead province-wide efforts to modernize French-language health services and improve access and outcomes for over 650,000 francophones and 1.5 million bilingual Ontarians.
Developed in partnership with the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) and Ottawa’s Hôpital Montfort, the Centre will take over the responsibilities of the six existing French Language Health Planning Entities. The goal: reduce administrative duplication and strengthen planning, oversight, and resource allocation for French-language services.
“This new centre is designed by francophones for francophones,” said Health Minister Sylvia Jones. “It will help meet the health-care needs of Ontario’s francophone communities for years to come.”
A Historic Step Toward Equity in Health Care
The new centre is a result of sustained advocacy from Ontario’s francophone community, which has long called for stronger, more centralized leadership in French-language health care planning. The provincial government says the Centre will be tasked with overseeing policies, funding, and service planning — all with a focus on culturally appropriate care delivered in French.
“With this new centre, we are laying the foundation for better access to French-language health care for generations to come,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs.
A two-year timeline has been set to designate the Centre under the French Language Services Act. In the meantime, the government has pledged to maintain its current $3.85 million annual investment in French-language health planning to support the Centre’s rollout.
Stakeholders Praise the Move
Several key francophone leaders welcomed the announcement, calling it a meaningful step toward equity and quality care.
“This is a historic day,” said Marie-Josée Martel, Board Chair of Hôpital Montfort. “We are proud to partner in this new endeavour, which aligns with our role as Ontario’s francophone academic hospital.”
Ronald Caza, a francophone lawyer and advocate, called the Centre “a win-win for francophone communities and for patients,” adding that it brings long-awaited action to improve care for French-speaking Ontarians.
Addressing the Francophone Gap in Ontario’s Health System
Ontario’s francophones account for 4.6% of the population, with the majority residing in 27 designated areas where provincial services in French are mandated. Yet many still report difficulty accessing health care in their language, particularly outside major urban centres.
The Centre is expected to work closely with Ontario Health, local providers, and francophone organizations to identify and address service gaps. The government also announced plans to strengthen the French Language Health Services Advisory Council in the coming months to support this mandate.
As part of its broader Your Health strategy, the government says the new Centre will help build a more inclusive, responsive, and convenient health-care system for all Ontarians.
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