Ontario’s six French Language Health Planning Entities submitted this month a brief pertaining to the Review of the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006, and the regulations made under it. This review of the Act was presented to the Standing Committee on Social Policy of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, as the 2006 Act is under review by this body according to the stipulations of the Act itself.

This Act created the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and, through its regulations, the French Language Health Planning Entities as well as the French Language Health Services Advisory Council which both give a voice to Francophones in the planning of French language health services. The Entities are mandated by the Government of Ontario to advise LHINs on all health issues relating to the francophone population of Ontario. A comprehensive review of the Act offers us an opportunity to reflect on the role of the LHINs and the Entities.

The primary conclusion of this brief is the importance of preserving gains achieved pursuant to the 2006 Act. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure better access to French language health care and services. This is vital to maintaining and improving the health of Ontario’s francophone population.

Brief : Review of the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006, and the Regulations Made Under It