The Importance of Resurrecting English-speaking Healthcare Services in Québec

French is the first language of 71.2% of Quebecers. For the remaining 27.9%, communication outside of this language can be difficult, especially in regard to health care (Ouimet et. al 3).This is of concern as those who seek medical attention or health resources may not be provided adequate care given the linguistic barrier. Particularly, it is Québec’s Englishspeaking minority that is most affected by this issue (Ouimet et. al 3). Within this minority, there are still hundreds of thousands of English-speaking individuals who desire to seek health services in their first official language. The wish does not simply arise due to a lack of bilingualism. Evidence shows that in times of crisis - when individuals look to communicate a matter of importance - they most often revert to their mother tongue (Silver 686). Without resources designed to cater to the English-speaking population, the government subjects this linguistic minority group to unequal health care services.