Providing medical care in a language a patient is comfortable in isn’t a question of preference: there can be serious consequences. When there’s a language barrier, it’s much more difficult for a patient to communicate; to understand and to be understood. Patients are less likely to follow treatment plans and trust professionals. When discussing mental health, an already difficult conversation becomes much more complicated if a patient is attempting to have it in a language where they cannot properly express their feelings, or understand the responses.

After a series of public hearings, the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages recommended that language barriers in health care be reduced. They concluded that language rights must be protected to help build a stronger Canada, and this should include being able to receive health services in the official language of the patient’s choice.

The Committee determined that to help federal institutions achieve better outcomes, a plan would need to be put in place that would be tailored to the needs of official language minority communities. The population’s language needs should be considered when planning new technologies or when considering privatization practices within health care. Services of equal quality should be offered in both official languages, and there should be consultations with official language minority communities.

The Senate of Canada is asking the federal government to review some of its practices to better align needs and delivery, and this includes language objectives. This would also involve a regulatory framework where the requirements for official languages minority communities are clearly defined. Collaboration from all health partners, including the federal government, is needed to provide health services in the minority language in a way that is strategic and organized in order to ensure that all Canadians have access to health services in their official language.

Among the recommendations is a government-wide strategy that would enhance support for minority language community organizations. It would involve mechanisms that would provide multi-year, stable funding. This is essential for organizations such as AMI-Quebec, which is one of very few providers of mental health services for family carers in English in Quebec

Receiving health and social services in a patient’s preferred language ensures understanding and effective communication. Language barriers can complicate medical care and can even be dangerous. Being treated in the patient’s own language and increases the probability of a better outcome.

–Emily Verrall
From Share&Care Summer 2026
Visit amiquebec.org/sources for references