Francophone minority communities (FMCs) vary greatly in terms of population composition, form of spoken French, demographics, socio-economic conditions, and the legal and policy frameworks of their province or territory. That said, FMCs face similar challenges regarding access to French-language health services. Examples include:

• A significant shortage of bilingual health professionals
• Insufficient French-language resources (forms, pamphlets, assessment tools, etc.)
• Long travel distances to access services in French
• Limited support (e.g., continuing education in French) to sustain the delivery of French-language health care

Francophone health professionals often must:

• Master professional vocabulary in both official languages
• Translate or adapt assessment or intervention tools into French
• Provide care in French to patients while preparing reports in English
• Serve as interpreters
• Understand the different levels and varieties of French and their nuances

It is important to adapt to the linguistic particularities of minority settings and actively promote the use of French in all aspects of work.

Working in a Francophone minority context not only requires an understanding of specific challenges but also provides unique opportunities for professional growth and for contributing to the vitality of the community. Linguistic adaptation, cultural awareness, collaboration and community engagement are all key elements for success in this context.

1. Knowledge acquisition

Acquiring knowledge about your practice setting, the diversity of the patient population, and the effects of linguistic and cultural barriers is a first step toward providing culturally responsive care. Examples of actions to take include:

• Learning about the Francophone community in your region of practice
• Developing knowledge of the technology used to deliver virtual care and the barriers that limit access to such care for Francophones
• Staying up to date on appropriate terminology to ensure respectful and inclusive language is always used
• Being aware of cultural differences and understanding the importance of respecting them
• Reflecting on your own values and how they influence the way you provide care

(Source: Canadian Nurses Association, 2018. Promoting Cultural Competence in Nursing)

 

2. Respecting language

• Greet patients in both official languages
• Use the person’s own vocabulary to respect their use of French
• Use the English or vernacular terms the person employs, while introducing precise terminology respectfully
• Avoid switching to English when the person alternates between languages to express themselves

 

3. Respecting culture

• In care settings, display posters, pamphlets, magazines or newspapers in both official languages that reflect the diverse cultures within Francophone minority communities.
• Acknowledge your limited knowledge regarding another person’s culture and approach learning with humility. Take a direct yet sensitive approach to understanding a patient’s cultural background in order to provide appropriate care. For example, explain to the patient that you are not very familiar with their culture and would appreciate more information about the beliefs or obligations related to their illness or treatment.

 

4. Respecting gender

• Use inclusive and neutral language, and avoid making assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation.
• Listen to and respect how the person identifies. Ask for and use their preferred pronouns (e.g., she, he, they, etc.). Misusing pronouns can make someone feel stigmatized or excluded.
• Adopting inclusive language means respecting not only gender but also all forms of diversity. Since language is constantly evolving, terms and usage may change. Stay informed to ensure your language remains respectful and inclusive.

Additional resources

Langage inclusif et non-genré (Gender-inclusive language – in French only): The French language is strongly marked by gender in a binary way (masculine/feminine). To indicate that your service welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, it is essential to use inclusive or neutral language forms.

2SLGBTQI+ Terminology – Glossary and common acronyms, Women and Gender Equality Canada website: 2SLGBTQI+ terminology is continuously evolving. As a result, it is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and these definitions are a starting point to understanding 2SLGBTQI+ identities and issues. Different 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities may have broader or more specific understandings of these terms.

 

5. Virtual health care consultations 

Here are some examples of actions to take to integrate active offer and cultural competencies into virtual health care services:

• Clearly offer patients the option to use the official language of their choice
• Consider cultural differences that may affect communication about health in a virtual setting
• Take the time to ensure the person feels safe to express themselves freely
• Use a variety of communication strategies: paraphrase, summarize, repeat, and slow down your speech
• Ensure mutual understanding of exchanges, using follow-up questions or visual aids as needed

Additional resources

Guide for Reducing Barriers to Virtual Healthcare

Virtual care in Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Information website

Be better prepared for your next virtual appointment, Canada Health Infoway

Infographic: Virtual Health Services in my Province or Territory