Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“As we’re in the final year of our two-year strategic framework for French-language services, we’re reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved.
“Guided by the 2023–25 Strategic framework, we’ve focused our efforts on leveraging technology, recruiting and supporting the bilingual capacities of Yukon government employees, keeping people safe and supporting a thriving Francophone community.
“We secured just over $2.2 million from the Government of Canada to leverage technologies to increase access to timely health care services in French. This five-year project, which started last year, is well underway as the French Language Services Directorate and Health and Social Services are leading the development of two strategies to increase the delivery of French-language services. A data collection strategy to identify patients’ preferred language of services, which will help us plan for the future and a digital solutions strategy that recommends ways to expand access to French-language health care.
“Supporting and empowering bilingual employees is just as important as using technology solutions to enhance access to French-language services.
“The Yukon public service is key to our success, and we make sure that people in bilingual positions have the French language skills and assurance they need to deliver services in French.
“If employees need a bit of extra support to confidently serve Yukoners in French, the French Language Services Directorate offers one-on-one tailored training sessions. When bilingual employees are not available, we rely on interpretation services to provide French-language services.
“This supportive approach has led to increased services and information in French for the public, from long-term care, mental wellness and substance use and crime prevention and victim services, to more resources for Yukon families and caregivers.
“Thanks to a combination of on-site and remote language training and other support, the Tombstone Interpretive Centre staff are offering bilingual services to Yukoners and visitors alike.
“The Centre de santé Constellation Health Centre is another significant milestone. November 7 marked the second anniversary of Constellation, which has not only enhanced access to primary health care and wellness services for Yukoners, but also made these services more accessible to French-speaking Yukoners.
“As for keeping Yukoners safe, we strive to provide timely and accurate public safety information in both English and French. During this summer’s fire and flood season, we continued to inform the public in French through different channels, such as @LeYukonFr on social media and Yukon.ca.
“We also partner with the growing Francophone community to foster its vitality and support its evolving priorities. As such, we provide funding to community-based Francophone organizations like l’Association franco-yukonnaise or l’AFY to deliver essential services in French.
“For instance, French-speaking seniors now have access to assistance and help through l’AFY to maintain their independence and improve their wellbeing and quality of life.
“Our government is committed to making sure all Yukoners have access to the services they need. Providing services and information in French helps us deliver on this commitment.
“Thank you to everyone for their work in ensuring we continue to support a thriving Yukon Francophone community. "
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]