![Access to Interpretation Template Letter](/en/resourcesGeneral/blog/images/2023/October/InterpretationTemplateLetter-SocialPost.jpg)
Last census showed over 20% of Canadians' mother tongue is neither English or French. Lack of access to professional language interpretation in healthcare encounters is a root cause of health inequity. Only Manitoba currently covers interpretation for all publicly funded health services.
Across Canada, there are a patchwork system with healthcare employers and private physicians unrealistically expected to absorb the cost of professional interpretation. On October 11 and 12, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Ministers’ meeting occurred, where there were conversations on equal access for equity-seeking groups and individuals.
Please use this template letter to write to your Provincial Minister of Health and encourage them to request funding to provide a centralized interpretation service for your province.
Across Canada, there are a patchwork system with healthcare employers and private physicians unrealistically expected to absorb the cost of professional interpretation. On October 11 and 12, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Ministers’ meeting occurred, where there were conversations on equal access for equity-seeking groups and individuals.
Please use this template letter to write to your Provincial Minister of Health and encourage them to request funding to provide a centralized interpretation service for your province.